20 Under 40

ENA Connection's 20 Under 40 recognition program casts the spotlight on up-and-coming emergency nurses making extraordinary contributions to their workplaces, their communities and the specialty.

You Could be in the Next Class of 20 Under 40

ENA Connection is once again looking for the best and brightest in emergency nursing. The magazine is currently accepting applications and nominations for the 20 Under 40 class of 2025.

If you’re an ENA member in the emergency care field and you started 2025 under the age of 40, throw your hat in the ring for this prestigious honor. Feel free to nominate a colleague or two who also deserve to be part of the 2025 class of emergency superstars. Nominees are required to submit applications to be considered.

Applications and Nominations

ENA is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all members, regardless of background or identity. Members of underrepresented or historically marginalized populations are encouraged to apply for the 20 Under 40 honor to better represent ENA’s diverse membership.

Honorees will be highlighted at Emergency Nursing 2025 and featured with profiles in the October issue of ENA Connection.

Application and nomination forms are available from March 26 to April 30. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Accordions
Who is eligible for the 20 Under 40 recognition program?

To be eligible for the 20 Under 40 Class of 2025, candidates must be an ENA member in good standing and born after 1984. 

How do I nominate someone for the 20 Under 40 recognition program?

You can submit a nomination here. In addition to the nominee’s name and email address, you will need to explain why they should be chosen for the 20 Under 40 honor. Please note that every nominee must still submit an application to be considered. 

Can I nominate more than one person?

Yes, you can nominate as many people as you would like. Please feel free to nominate colleagues, friends, family members or someone you know in your community who is advancing emergency nursing. Please note that each nominee must still submit an application to be considered.

I received an email indicating I was nominated. What do I do next?

Congratulations on the nomination! You will need to complete and submit the 20 Under 40 application form, which includes questions about your achievements, education and impact in emergency nursing. The nomination email contains the link to the application form. You may also access the application form here

Does being nominated multiple times help the nominee?

No. The judges consider only the nominee’s application form, which is completed and submitted by the nominee. The number of nominations does not make a difference in whether a candidate is selected for the 20 Under 40 honor.

I applied for the 20 Under 40 program previously and was unsuccessful. May I apply again?

Absolutely. ENA Connection encourages previous candidates to apply again if they weren’t selected in prior years. Be sure to share the relevant experiences and achievements you’ve gained during those intervening years.

I have received the 20 Under 40 honor in the past. May I apply again?

No. If you have been selected to be a part of the 20 Under 40 recognition program in previous years, you may not apply again. 

How does a successful application stand out from a competitive field?

The judges look for candidates with measurable achievements and impact in emergency nursing, including but not limited to their EDs, their communities, ENA and the specialty overall. The applications should highlight attributes, commitment and outstanding contributions by providing specific examples using descriptive language. The candidates should describe what they did, how they did it and what the impact was. Avoid generalities. 

If I start my application, can I finish it later?

Yes. Our application system allows candidates to save their work. They may pick up where they left off at a later time. 

Is there a cost to apply or nominate a candidate?

No. There are no fees to participate in the 20 Under 40 program.