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Emergency Nurses Association Introduces the 2026 ENDVR Fellows

On July 23, 2026, the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) proudly announced its latest class of Emergency Nursing Developing Voices Research (ENDVR) Fellows. This significant initiative, launched in 2022, aims to empower emerging researchers in the field of emergency nursing to enhance patient care in critical situations.

The newly appointed 2026 ENDVR Fellows are Elizabeth Ryann Thompson and Kristie Van Waus, both of whom bring unique perspectives shaped by their extensive experiences in emergency medicine. The focus of their research will investigate how various factors affect care delivered to vulnerable populations in emergency settings.

Meet the Fellows

Elizabeth Ryann Thompson

Elizabeth hails from Canyon, Texas, where she serves as a full-time nursing instructor at West Texas AM University. With a background in emergency and critical care nursing, she is also pursuing her doctorate. During her fellowship, Thompson intends to explore how elements like race, socioeconomic status, and language barriers influence decision-making in triage situations within emergency departments. Her research aims to identify methods to promote equity in emergency care.

Kristie Van Waus

From Cape Coral, Florida, Kristie is an emergency department nurse manager and an accomplished nursing instructor. With qualifications as a sexual assault nurse examiner, she understands the intricacies of patient interactions in high-stress environments. Van Waus plans to focus her research on the social determinants of health that impact communication between nurses and patients. Her goal is to enhance the quality of trauma-informed care and ensure that patients feel valued and understood.

The Importance of Their Work

The ENA President, Dustin Bass, expressed enthusiasm over this new cohort of fellows, acknowledging their lived experiences that drive them to tackle significant challenges within emergency nursing today. Bass stated, "Their ability to see beyond mere data and recognize the human stories behind their research questions gives me great confidence in their upcoming contributions to the field."

Both Thompson and Van Waus will attend the Emergency Nursing 2026 conference in Phoenix, where they will engage in various research-related activities. Apart from mentoring from members of the Emergency Nursing Research Advisory Council, they will develop and execute a local research project. Their findings will be showcased at the following year's Emergency Nursing event, allowing for valuable feedback and collaboration within the community.

Conclusion

The ENDVR Fellowship represents not only a commitment to advancing research in emergency nursing but also a dedication to improving patient outcomes. By investing in the next generation of nurse researchers, the ENA anticipates a future where healthcare is not only more innovative but also more inclusive.

In summary, the introduction of Elizabeth Ryann Thompson and Kristie Van Waus as the 2026 ENDVR Fellows marks a crucial step toward addressing the myriad challenges in emergency care. With their focused research, they aspire to implement meaningful changes that would improve the experiences and outcomes for vulnerable populations in emergency settings. As the ENA continues to support such initiatives, the hope is that advancements in knowledge and practice will lead to profound impacts on patient care overall.