Her Story
About Mindy
Mindy Osmundson is a nursing professional with 24 years of experience spanning trauma care, emergency preparedness, and clinical leadership. A graduate of the University of Iowa, where she earned her bachelor's degree in 2002, she has spent much of her career in Level I trauma environments, later expanding into administrative roles that included serving as a regional coordinator overseeing emergency preparedness, stroke response, and pediatric trauma across three hospitals within the OSF system. Her leadership experience also extends to serving as a director of nursing, including within correctional healthcare settings, and she contributed to CDC-related emergency preparedness initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic, including standing up COVID units and managing incident command operations.
Beyond her clinical and administrative accomplishments, Osmundson has been recognized publicly for her contributions to the field. She has received Daisy Awards in honor of her nursing excellence, appeared in a Discovery Channel reenactment depicting a real trauma case she was involved in, and was named a Top Influential Woman representing Galesburg, Illinois, in the 2026 edition of Influential Women magazine. She is an active member of the American Nurses Association and Theta Tau, reflecting her ongoing commitment to professional development and peer community within nursing.
Osmundson is currently in a period of transition, preparing to launch an independent esthetics practice from her home office upon completing her Esthetician Certification this fall, with plans to offer Botox and natural medicine services. She is also working on a book and finds creative outlets through her interests in art and writing. Grounded in values of accountability, teamwork, and personalized care, Osmundson credits her competitive, never-give-up mindset — shaped by her upbringing and athletic background — for sustaining her through decades of demanding clinical work, including years spent balancing single motherhood with a full-time nursing career.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Mindy
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my upbringing — my father was a chemical engineer, and that instilled a certain discipline in me. I was also very athletic and remain very competitive, so giving up has never been part of my mindset. My philosophy has always been that we will achieve, that we learn from our mistakes, and that we strive to do a little better every day, all in service of our patients.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I've received is to never allow myself to become discouraged. It's easy to feel that way, especially when life is demanding — I raised my children as a single mother while working full-time and commuting two hours each way. But I've learned that anything is achievable if you have the drive and determination to keep pushing forward.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell them to be diligent and to do their job well. Ask questions, and commit to learning something new every single day. Know who your resources are, and try to find someone with long-standing experience in the field who can serve as a mentor to guide you.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges I see is the growing disconnect between administration and the financial realities affecting staff and staffing ratios, as well as safe practices overall. In my 24 years, I've witnessed enormous change — the sense of appreciation isn't what it used to be, staffing levels are too low, and we rely heavily on travelers. Hospitals once felt like a family, and I don't think that personalization exists in the same way anymore. Nurses today aren't feeling valued the way they once were.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Accountability is central to how I operate — if I say I'm going to do something, I follow through. I also believe strongly in being part of the team; I'm always willing to jump in on the floor, whether that means starting IVs or assisting with traumas. With 24 years of experience, including having started an IV stack team at Springfield Memorial, I see myself as a resource for others. I value personalized, one-on-one staffing support and being a strong voice for my team, especially when advocating to administration on their behalf.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.