Emergency Nurses Association Selects Fifth Class of ENDVR Fellows

Elizabeth Ryann Thompson, a nursing instructor at West Texas A&M University, plans to analyze how socioeconomic status, race, and communication barriers specifically affect triage decision-making. Working from Cape Coral, Florida, nurse manager Kristie Van Waus intends to focus her research on the intersection of social determinants of health and the delivery of trauma-informed care. Both fellows aim to move beyond statistical data to address the human element in emergency room interactions.

Launched in 2022, the fellowship provides structured training and mentorship to foster a new generation of clinical researchers. ENA President Dustin Bass noted that the selection committee prioritized candidates whose personal experiences drive their commitment to solving modern nursing challenges. Throughout the next year, Thompson and Van Waus will partner with the Emergency Nursing Research Advisory Council to conduct local projects, culminating in a formal presentation of their findings at the Emergency Nursing 2027 conference.