By Dustin Bass, DNP, MHA, RN, CEN, NEA-BC
ENA President
I have had the privilege of experiencing ENA from so many different places — as a member, a volunteer, an elected leader — so it’s hard for me to remember all the great memories I have from ENA’s annual conference over the years.
But I can tell you the common theme for my nostalgia involves you, the ENA community. Learning alongside colleagues, reconnecting with friends from across the world, making new connections and being surrounded by people who get it. No explanations needed. We come together as one, and everyone belongs. That is the Power of Us.
Emergency Nursing 2026 feels especially meaningful to me because I get to welcome everyone to ENA’s biggest event of the year as president. I honestly can’t wait to stand in front of the people who make this organization what it is and experience that energy together.
And we will have plenty of moments once ENA lands in Phoenix in just a few weeks. For many of you, whether you’re an emergency nurse or a forensic nurse, the job can be isolating. Emergency Nursing 2026 will be unifying, fulfilling and immersive.
Yes, there are 140 education sessions to attend, there is the energy-filled Experience Hall packed with activities and networking, and, as always, the fun is never far behind when ENA rolls into town. You can’t do everything, but soak in as much as you can while also remembering some of the most important moments you have will happen between sessions, waiting in line for coffee or as you walk around taking it all in.
Even as you explore what can grow your skills and evolve your professional self, or when you explore the city and its offerings, I invite you to explore yourself. Go beyond your normal interests, introduce yourself to someone sitting nearby before a presentation starts, or find someone whose work inspires you — and tell them.
And, for first-time conference attendees or the forensic nurses who are still learning about ENA, this is a perfect time to see what I mean when I say you belong here. Step into this experience, ask questions, meet people and find what it is you’re looking for, because it’ll be in Phoenix. Whether you realize it or not, you might meet the person who changes the trajectory of your career, or you could end up being that person for someone else.
Emergency Nursing 2026 brings together what I know about the Power of Us and then amplifies it as we Lock In to learn, engage and grow. Show up excited and ready for anything with a goal to leave energized and prepared to take on what’s next.
ENA will be at its best in Phoenix because of what you bring during an amazing week, and I can’t wait to be right in the middle of it with all of you.