Founded in 1968 by emergency nurses Anita Dorr, RN, and Judith Kelleher, RN, MSN, the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) was established to unite emergency nurses, set professional standards, and advance the practice of emergency nursing. Today, ENA represents emergency nurses in more than 35 countries and is recognized as the global voice of emergency nursing.
In Louisiana, the roots of ENA began in the early 1970s when Mae Webb, RN—then Director of the Emergency Department at East Jefferson Hospital—represented the state at ENA’s first national meeting. Inspired by the mission of ENA, she returned to Louisiana with a vision to organize emergency nurses across the state. By the mid-1970s, chapters were formed in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, with leadership support from Brenda Brown, RN. These early efforts led to the development of a strong and active state council.
Today, LA ENA represents more than 700 emergency nurses across Louisiana and is led by a 14-member Board of Directors representing diverse regions of the state. LA ENA partners closely with the national ENA to advocate for patient safety, professional growth, and excellence in emergency nursing practice.