An unconventional path: From a Little Girl's Dream to a Nurse Champion for Healthcare Design.

Elizabeth (Liz) Malosh’s aspiration to become a nurse was ignited during her childhood through her own experiences as a patient. These encounters fostered a desire to assist others and create a supportive environment for children and families receiving care. In her current role as Associate Vice President, Consulting Specialist with Blue Cottage of CannonDesign, she continues to draw on these formative memories and experiences.

Liz has been an NIHD member since 2022, and is currently serving as the lead for the Education Committee.

Elizabeth (Liz) Malosh MSN, RN, NE-BC

Liz began her career as a pediatric oncology nurse and had the opportunity to work on a unit remodel under the guidance of a career mentor. Although this experience piqued her interest in design, her primary objective remained healthcare leadership. At that time, Liz was serving as a Patient Care Supervisor while completing her master’s degree in nursing administration. Upon obtaining her degree, she progressed in her leadership career from Nurse Manager to Director at an adult ambulatory Cancer Center, where she maintained her focus on Oncology. She also played pivotal roles in enhancing the built environment, addressing issues such as flooding from a triggered sprinkler system, to leading the expansion and renovation of a community Cancer Center within the health network.

The pandemic prompted Liz to reassess her career trajectory. Reflecting on her extensive experience, she recognized that projects aimed at improving the environmental experience for both patients and staff brought her the greatest fulfillment. This realization directed her towards a new emphasis on enhancing the experiences of patients, staff, and providers through the built environment.

In 2022, Liz joined Blue Cottage of CannonDesign, the consulting division of a prominent architecture and engineering firm, which allowed her to further cultivate this interest. Through this position, she became involved with NIHD and was introduced to the field of nursing involvement in healthcare design. Currently, Liz serves as a Clinical and Cancer Subject Matter Expert, supporting master planning, pre-design, and transition and activation projects. Additionally, she practices as an inpatient hospice RN near her residence. Liz values her role in the evolving field of nursing and clinician involvement in the design of healthcare facilities.

NIHD collaborates with clinicians, design professionals and industry partners in the healthcare design process to shape the future of healthcare design.