Advancing healthcare requires continuous research, innovation, and evidence-based practice. In emergency nursing, where healthcare professionals face rapidly evolving clinical challenges, research plays a critical role in improving patient outcomes, enhancing workplace safety, and strengthening healthcare systems.
To support groundbreaking research in emergency nursing, the ENA Foundation offers the ENA Foundation Research Grant, a competitive funding opportunity designed to encourage high-quality research projects that address some of the most pressing issues facing emergency departments today.
With a grant award of $30,000, this program provides emergency nurses and research teams with the resources needed to investigate innovative solutions, develop new methodologies, and contribute meaningful knowledge to the field of emergency care.
About the ENA Foundation
The Emergency Nurses Association Foundation (ENA Foundation) is the philanthropic arm of the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA), one of the leading organizations dedicated to advancing excellence in emergency nursing.
The foundation supports emergency nurses through:
- Research funding
- Educational scholarships
- Professional development opportunities
- Leadership initiatives
- Evidence-based practice advancement
By investing in nursing research, the ENA Foundation helps generate new knowledge that improves emergency patient care, supports healthcare professionals, and strengthens emergency care systems across the United States and beyond.
The organization’s mission centers on empowering emergency nurses to drive innovation and improve healthcare outcomes through research, education, and professional growth.
Research Grant Overview
The ENA Foundation Research Grant is intended to support innovative research projects that can advance emergency nursing practice and improve patient care outcomes.
The program focuses on three primary goals:
1. Advance Emergency Nursing Research
Support high-quality studies that generate evidence to improve emergency nursing practice.
2. Encourage Innovation
Promote the development of novel research methods and innovative approaches to emergency healthcare challenges.
3. Foster Collaboration
Encourage partnerships between emergency nurses and researchers from other relevant disciplines.
Grant Funding Details
Award Amount
- One research grant available
- Total funding: $30,000
Submission Deadline
- August 9, 2024
Recipient Notification
- Mid-October 2024
Final Report Deadline
- On or before December 1, 2025
The grant provides substantial funding for researchers seeking to implement impactful studies that address key priorities in emergency nursing.
Why This Grant Matters
Emergency departments serve as the frontline of healthcare systems, handling everything from traumatic injuries and mental health crises to public health emergencies and disaster response.
Research in emergency nursing is essential because it helps healthcare professionals:
- Improve patient outcomes
- Enhance workplace safety
- Reduce healthcare disparities
- Address staffing challenges
- Improve operational efficiency
- Support nurse wellbeing
The ENA Foundation Research Grant helps ensure that emergency nurses have the resources needed to investigate solutions to these complex challenges.
Eligibility Requirements
Applications are accepted from emergency nurses who meet specific eligibility criteria.
Professional Requirements
Applicants must:
- Currently serve in an emergency department role
- Be prepared to begin or already be conducting the proposed research project
Membership Requirement
Applicants must:
- Be current members of the Emergency Nurses Association
- Have maintained membership for at least one year
Research Team Requirements
Applicants submitting as part of a research group must work with at least one team member who possesses:
- Previous research experience
- Knowledge of the research process
Conflict of Interest Restrictions
Certain individuals are not eligible to apply, including:
- Current members of the ENA Board of Directors
- ENA Foundation Board of Trustees members
- Grant review team members
- Individuals who served in these roles within the previous three years
The restriction also extends to spouses and eligible family members of these individuals.
Research Priorities
The ENA Foundation regularly updates its research priorities to reflect emerging issues affecting emergency nursing practice.
While projects may address multiple clinical problems, priority consideration is given to studies focused on the following areas.
Boarding and Emergency Department Crowding
Research topics may include:
- Boarded patient care guidelines
- Emergency department throughput
- Overcrowding solutions
- Operational efficiency improvements
Workplace Violence Prevention
Projects may examine:
- Violence prevention strategies
- Staff protection initiatives
- Intervention programs
- Workplace safety improvements
Nurse Wellbeing
Researchers are encouraged to explore:
- Burnout prevention
- Healthy work environments
- Workforce resilience
- Total worker health initiatives
Appropriate Emergency Department Utilization
Potential topics include:
- Public education programs
- Appropriate use of emergency services
- Healthcare access issues
New Graduate Nurse Training
Research may focus on:
- Orientation programs
- Transition-to-practice strategies
- New nurse retention
- Educational interventions
Mental and Behavioral Health
Priority areas include:
- Adult mental health care
- Pediatric behavioral health
- Crisis intervention
- Emergency psychiatric care
Disaster Preparedness
Studies may investigate:
- Emergency preparedness training
- Disaster response protocols
- Crisis management systems
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Researchers are encouraged to explore:
- Health equity
- Bias and discrimination
- Inclusive healthcare practices
- Workforce diversity initiatives
These priorities reflect some of the most significant challenges currently facing emergency nursing professionals.
Funding Restrictions
While the grant provides substantial support, certain expenses are not eligible for funding.
Grant funds cannot be used for:
- Completed research projects
- Development of research proposals
- Investigator salaries
- Travel expenses
- Indirect costs
- Computer hardware purchases
- Software purchases
- Fax machine expenses
Applicants must submit a detailed budget explaining how requested funds will be utilized.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit a complete application package before the deadline.
Required materials include:
Signed Application Form
A completed, signed, and dated application form.
Research Agreement
Signed research agreement documentation.
Research Team Information
Names and qualifications of co-investigators when applicable.
Biographical Sketch
Professional background and research experience information.
Project Narrative
A detailed description of the proposed study.
Budget and Budget Justification
Explanation of project expenses and use of grant funding.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Application Process
Step 1: Develop a Research Proposal
Design a study that aligns with emergency nursing priorities and demonstrates strong scientific merit.
Step 2: Gather Supporting Documents
Prepare all required application materials and supporting documentation.
Step 3: Complete the Online Application
Applications must be submitted through the ENA Foundation’s online application system.
Step 4: Submit Before the Deadline
Applications must be submitted by:
August 9, 2024, at Noon Central Time
Step 5: Await Confirmation
Applicants will receive an email acknowledging receipt of their application.
Step 6: Review and Selection
Applications undergo evaluation by a designated research review panel.
Review and Selection Process
The ENA Foundation employs a competitive review process to ensure funding is awarded to the most promising projects.
Applications are evaluated based on:
Research Quality
The scientific rigor and potential impact of the proposed study.
Researcher Qualifications
The experience, expertise, and preparedness of the research team.
Relevance to Emergency Nursing
The extent to which the project addresses important issues in emergency care.
Feasibility
The likelihood that the project can be successfully completed within the funding period.
Only the strongest proposals receive funding consideration.
Reporting Requirements
Grant recipients must comply with several reporting obligations.
Progress Report
Awardees must submit:
- Six-month narrative progress report
Final Report
Recipients must submit:
- Comprehensive final narrative report
Failure to provide required reports may affect future funding opportunities for the applicant’s institution.
Publication and Dissemination Requirements
Recipients are expected to share research findings with the healthcare community.
Requirements include:
Acknowledging Funding
All publications and presentations must recognize:
“ENA Foundation” as the funding source.
Publication Opportunities
Researchers are encouraged to:
- Submit findings to the Journal of Emergency Nursing
- Present findings at the ENA Annual Conference
- Publish in peer-reviewed journals
- Share findings at national scientific meetings
The ENA Foundation strongly supports making research discoveries available to both healthcare professionals and the broader scientific community.
Tips for a Successful Application
Align with Research Priorities
Projects that address priority areas may receive stronger consideration.
Build an Experienced Team
Applicants without extensive research experience should seek guidance from experienced researchers or mentors.
Develop a Strong Methodology
Clearly explain:
- Study design
- Data collection methods
- Analysis plans
- Expected outcomes
Create a Realistic Budget
Provide detailed justification for all requested funding.
Demonstrate Impact
Explain how the study will improve emergency nursing practice or patient care.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much funding is available?
The grant provides one award of $30,000.
Who can apply?
Emergency nurses currently working in emergency department roles who meet membership and eligibility requirements.
Can teams apply?
Yes. Research teams may apply, provided at least one team member has prior research experience.
Can grant funds be used for salaries?
No. Investigator salaries are not eligible expenses.
Is IRB approval required?
Yes. Institutional Review Board approval must be on file before grant funds are issued.
Are resubmissions allowed?
Yes. Applicants may revise and resubmit proposals based on reviewer feedback.
Final Thoughts
The ENA Foundation Research Grant represents an outstanding opportunity for emergency nurses to contribute meaningful research that advances clinical practice, improves patient outcomes, and strengthens the future of emergency healthcare.
With funding of up to $30,000, the grant provides researchers with the resources needed to investigate critical issues such as workplace violence prevention, nurse wellbeing, emergency department crowding, behavioral health care, disaster preparedness, and healthcare equity.
For emergency nurses passionate about research and innovation, this grant offers an opportunity to transform ideas into evidence-based solutions that can influence practice and improve healthcare delivery for years to come.