The Emergency Nurses Association Emerging Professional role recognizes early-career emergency nurses who demonstrate leadership potential, professional engagement, and a commitment to advancing emergency nursing. Emerging Professionals bring forward the voice of new nurses, contribute to professional initiatives, and help strengthen the future of emergency care across the commonwealth.
Kentucky ENA is proud to announce our 2026 Emerging Professional.
Taylor Barrickman, MSN, BS, RN
Kentucky Emergency Nursing Emerging Leader
Taylor’s path into nursing reflects adaptability, purpose, and service. She earned her undergraduate degree in Child Development from Eastern Kentucky University in 2018 and later worked as a flight attendant for Delta Air Lines. That experience strengthened skills essential to emergency nursing, including situational awareness, calm decision-making, and empathetic communication.
She completed the University of Louisville Master’s Entry into Professional Nursing program in May 2023 and has since focused on clinical excellence and leadership in emergency care. In 2024, she received the Nursing Excellence Rising Star Award.
Taylor has served in multiple leadership roles, including:
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2024 Quality Council Co-Chair
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2025–2026 Practice Council Chair
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2025–2026 Coordinating Council Chair
She has also been an active member of the Magnet Committee and the DAISY and BEE Committees since 2024, supporting recognition, quality improvement, and professional development initiatives at Baptist Health Louisville.
In Spring 2026, Taylor will begin serving as a clinical instructor. She is committed to mentoring new nurses and supporting the development of strong clinical judgment and professional confidence.
As Kentucky ENA Emerging Professional, Taylor is dedicated to collaboration, advocacy, and elevating the perspective of new emergency nurses across Kentucky. Her focus centers on excellence, compassion, and continuous growth.