INF 40 Under 40 Awardee: Jenna Maloney
At just 10 years old, Jenna Maloney underwent surgery to remove a benign tumor. That life-changing moment introduced her to the power of nursing not just as a profession, but as a deeply personal calling. Witnessing firsthand the compassion and skill of her care team planted a seed that would later blossom into a meaningful career in healthcare.
Finding Her Path Through Psychology and Nursing
Unsure of her path entering college, Jenna earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from UCLA in 2015. Her interest in human behavior, combined with her early exposure to healthcare, ultimately guided her to pursue nursing. She went on to earn a Master of Science in Nursing from Rush University Medical Center in 2017, officially beginning her journey into the field that had long inspired her.
Building a Career Grounded in Quality and Innovation
Jenna began her nursing career on a general medicine unit at Rush, where she advanced from RN1 to RN3. In 2020, she transitioned to an adult observation unit, where she helped pilot a new role: Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL). In this position, she championed quality improvement and patient safety initiatives, optimized nursing workflows, mentored new nurses, and led projects to reduce hospital length of stay.
Leading for Sustainability and Education
Beyond the bedside, Jenna brought her passion for environmental responsibility into the healthcare setting. She co-founded Rush’s Environmental Sustainability Employee Resource Group (ERG), a grassroots initiative focused on promoting eco-conscious practices. Under her co-leadership, the ERG hosted guest speakers, organized campus cleanups, and held the inaugural Green Fair to educate staff on sustainable living at home and at work. Jenna also co-chaired the hospital-wide education committee, hosting continuing education (CE) events on critical topics like chest tube management, chaplain services, and EMR documentation tips. Her work in both sustainability and education reflects her belief that impactful nursing extends beyond clinical care.
Looking Ahead with Purpose
After a fulfilling stretch in clinical and leadership roles, Jenna made the intentional decision to step away from her role at Rush to focus on her family. But her journey is far from over. She remains passionate about patient safety and environmental advocacy and plans to return to the healthcare field to continue making a difference. Her story is a testament to the many ways nurses lead through care, innovation, and a commitment to improving systems for both patients and providers.
The Illinois Nurses Foundation proudly celebrates Jenna Maloney as a 2025 40 Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leader for her determination, innovation, and shaping the future of nursing education and research.
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