Ron Kraus

Emergency Nurses Association
USA

Abstract Title: Bridging the theory-practice gap: Generating and Translating Emergency Nursing Research into Practice Worldwide

Biography:

Ron Kraus is the Director of Practice Excellence for the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA), where he leads national initiatives that translate research into measurable improvements in emergency nursing practice. A board-certified Clinical Nurse Specialist and nationally recognized emergency nurse leader, Ron brings more than two decades of experience advancing clinical quality, workforce development, and operational excellence across complex healthcare systems. Ron previously served as President of ENA and has held multiple national leadership roles focused on professional standards, leadership development, and strategic innovation. His work centers on bridging evidence and implementation and designing practical frameworks that strengthen healthy work environments, elevate professional identity, and improve patient outcomes in high-acuity settings. In addition to his association leadership, Ron has served in executive healthcare operations and emergency department redesign. He is also a certified professional coach, supporting nurse leaders in building resilient teams and sustainable cultures of excellence. Ron is passionate about advancing emergency nursing worldwide by ensuring research not only informs practice, but transforms it.

Research Interest:

In emergency environments, the needs of clinical expertise often outstrip the pace of research translation. Currently the gap between published evidence and sustainable practice change remains a significant challenge. This presentation explores how a national specialty nursing organization strategically integrates research generation, dissemination, and processes for operational implementation to drive measurable excellence in emergency nursing practice. We examine the collaborative model between research leadership and practice excellence strategy within the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA). This model uses clinical realities to drive research priorities, ensuring that studies reflect both the clinical needs and practical reality of emergency nurses while producing strategies for quality improvement. Through structured dissemination pathways including guidelines, position statements, educational programming, and implementation tools research findings are intentionally designed for practical adoption across diverse emergency care settings. Case examples will demonstrate how ENA’s research trajectory on workplace safety, healthy work environments, and patient care standards bidirectionally inform practice excellence offerings and strategies. By intentionally linking foundational scholarship with practical, reality-based clinical needs, emergency nursing research moves beyond publication to measurable impact. This integrated approach offers a replicable model for professional nursing organizations and global healthcare systems seeking to bridge the gap between evidence and excellence.