Published on Sep. 16, 2025
With the support of donor-funded scholarships, Elizabeth “Liz” Chassagne, BSN, RN, NE-BC, is leading with innovation and compassion at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center, improving the patient experience one step at a time.
For Liz Chassagne, nursing has always been about more than medical knowledge. It is about human connection, creative thinking and the desire to make each patient feel seen and supported. As operations manager for Heart & Vascular/Telemetry at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center, Liz puts that belief into practice every day.
Thanks to the generosity of donors, she is now furthering her education through a graduate program focused on leadership and innovation in health care.
Her journey into nursing began early. In junior high and high school, Liz volunteered more than 600 hours at a local hospital as a “candy striper,” helping patients and learning how to offer comfort in simple, meaningful ways. Although she initially earned degrees in English and French and spent time teaching abroad, Liz eventually returned to what had always inspired her most: caring for others.
From her first days at the bedside to her current leadership role, Liz has always seen nursing as both a science and an art. In 2022, she attended the national Magnet Conference, a gathering that recognizes hospitals for nursing excellence, high- quality patient care and innovation. One session in particular shifted her perspective. It explored how improv techniques can support confidence and creativity in nursing leadership.
“It opened my eyes to what’s possible. It helped me see new ways to solve challenges and support both our patients and our teams.”
- Liz
Motivated to grow, Liz discovered a master’s program at the University of Michigan focused on leadership, analytics and innovation. The cost, however, felt daunting. That is when donor support changed everything.
“Receiving a scholarship lifted a huge weight,” she said. “It allowed me to pursue this program with hope and purpose.”
Now, Liz is applying what she is learning to strengthen team culture, improve patient outcomes and bring new ideas to the way care is delivered.
“I’m so grateful for the donors who believe in us. Because of you, I can continue to grow and serve our patients with compassion, creativity and confidence.”
- Liz