Khay Douangdara, DNP, MSN, MSN-FNP, RN, APRN, CEN, CPEN, AGACNP-BC, FNP-C

Why do you seek a position on the ENA Board of Directors?

I am seeking a position on the ENA Board of Directors because I am deeply committed to shaping the future of emergency nursing, advocating for our profession, and expanding equitable access to education and leadership opportunities for all nurses regardless of background, location, or experience. The emergency department demands rapid decision-making, collaboration, and emotional resilience. I have dedicated my career to thriving in this environment and supporting those who serve within it.

ENA has been instrumental in my professional journey, from awarding academic scholarships that supported my advanced degrees to providing leadership opportunities at the chapter, state, and national levels. These experiences have strengthened my desire to give back through board service and contribute to the strategic direction of an organization that has given me so much.

I aim to be a strong advocate for diversity in all its forms, cultural, educational, and geographical, ensuring that every emergency nurse feels heard, valued, and represented. I believe our leadership must reflect the richness of our membership and work to remove barriers that limit professional growth. Serving on the ENA Board will allow me to advance this vision and help shape the future of emergency nursing on a national scale.

How does your academic, professional background and experience within ENA make you a qualified Board candidate?

My qualifications for board service are grounded in academic excellence, diverse leadership experience, and a deep commitment to ENA’s mission. With over a decade of frontline emergency nursing experience, I have developed the clinical expertise and leadership skills necessary to drive meaningful change.

Academically, I hold a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Acute Care Nurse Practitioner from the University of Kentucky, as well as dual master’s degrees, one in Family Nurse Practice and another in Nursing Education and Leadership. My educational foundation also includes a BSN, a BS in Behavioral Science, and a Certificate in Business Leadership, equipping me to lead in clinical, academic, and organizational settings.

Professionally, I serve as a Division Charge Nurse at a Level I Trauma Center and hold certifications including FNP-C, CEN, CPEN, ACLS/PALS Instructor, and TNCC/ENPC Faculty and Director roles. I am committed to clinical excellence and mentoring the next generation of emergency nurses.

Within Kentucky ENA, I’ve served as Treasurer, President, and Trustee on the ENA Foundation Board, where I helped develop scholarships and led statewide conferences. My leadership reflects a passion for collaboration, education, and strategic planning, qualities essential to advancing ENA’s vision and supporting its members.

Outline the specific skills you bring, or contributions you hope to make to the ENA Board of Directors.

As a candidate for the ENA Board of Directors, I bring a strategic, results-driven skill set that aligns with ENA’s mission and the evolving needs of emergency nursing.

I served nine years as Chair of the Nursing Excellence (Magnet) Team at UK HealthCare, leading successful Magnet designations and recertifications. This role honed my skills in strategic planning, change management, and interdisciplinary collaboration, directly transferable to ENA board responsibilities. As Treasurer of the Kentucky ENA State Council, I gained experience in fiscal oversight and responsible budgeting, essential for sound governance.

My presidency with the Kentucky ENA included organizing two successful state conferences, showcasing my ability to lead impactful educational programs and engage membership. I also contribute to institutional advocacy efforts as a member of the UK HealthCare Health Disparities Council, focusing on equity and inclusive policy development.

With multiple educator certifications (TNCC/ENPC Faculty & Director, ACLS/PALS Instructor), I actively mentor and train emergency nurses.

On the ENA Board, I aim to advance the organization in three core areas: expanding access to professional development, increasing equity and representation, and supporting innovation and research in emergency care. I am committed to empowering nurses and building a stronger, more inclusive future for emergency nursing.

Provide a narrative that exemplifies how you demonstrate the Board competencies.

During my Kentucky State ENA Presidency, I exemplified ENA Board competencies: collaboration, decision-making, professionalism, and strategic leadership.

As President during pandemic recovery and staffing challenges, I led the planning and execution of two successful statewide conferences. These events were strategically designed to rejuvenate, educate, and reconnect emergency nurses across Kentucky. Facing logistical hurdles including budget constraints, evolving health guidelines, and workforce shortages, I guided a volunteer team through every phase of planning. I initiated partnerships with sponsors, recruited impactful speakers, and ensured continuing education offerings were inclusive and relevant. My decision-making was data-driven and collaborative, ensuring responsiveness to member needs.

Throughout this process, I modeled professionalism by maintaining transparency, resolving conflicts constructively, and encouraging team innovation. The conferences resulted in record attendance and positive feedback, proving that focused collaboration and leadership can succeed in uncertain times.

Previously, as Chair of the Magnet Team at UK HealthCare, I led initiatives that achieved Magnet recertification, demonstrating my ability to engage in systems-level leadership, policy alignment, and long-term planning, all essential for board-level service.

These roles reflect my commitment to excellence, innovation, and collaborative growth, values I am ready to bring to the ENA Board of Directors.

To reach Khay, contact him at kdoua2@uky.edu.