November 13, 2026 – Elizabeth “Liz” Squires, vice president of nursing operations for Encompass Health, has been named to Becker’s Hospital Review’s 2026 list of Hospital and Health System CNOs to Know. The annual list recognizes chief nursing officers and other senior nursing leaders who are advancing clinical excellence, developing nursing talent, strengthening patient care and helping shape the future of healthcare.
As vice president of nursing operations, Squires provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for nursing, dialysis, clinical education, respiratory and nutrition services across Encompass Health’s national network of inpatient rehabilitation hospitals. She chairs the Company’s Nursing Leadership Board and supports more than 11,000 nurses across the organization.
“Liz’s leadership and unwavering commitment to nursing excellence have made a profound impact on our organization, our nursing teams and the patients we serve,” said Dr. Lisa Charbonneau, chief medical officer of Encompass Health. “She is passionate about developing nurses at every stage of their careers and has been instrumental in advancing programs that strengthen workforce engagement, professional growth and clinical excellence across our nationwide network. This recognition from Becker’s is a well-deserved honor.”
Among Squires’ many accomplishments is the creation and expansion of Encompass Health’s nursing career ladder program, which provides structured advancement pathways for nursing assistants, licensed practical nurses and registered nurses. Under her leadership, more than 44% of full-time registered nurses have advanced on the career ladder, and participants experience significantly higher retention rates than nonparticipants.
Squires has also championed specialty certification and continuing education opportunities for nurses throughout the organization. Under her leadership, Encompass Health has increased its number of Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurses to nearly 1,500, an 18% increase since 2024.
“I’m honored to receive this recognition, but it’s truly a reflection of the incredible nurses across Encompass Health who demonstrate their commitment to our patients every day,” Squires said. “I’m proud of the opportunities we’ve created to support our nurses in growing their careers, advancing their skills and continuing to deliver exceptional care to the patients and families we serve.”
In addition to her role at Encompass Health, Squires serves on the Joint Commission Chief Medical Officer/Chief Nursing Executive Council and the Lippincott Advisory Board. She previously served on the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses Chapter Support Committee and was a featured presenter at the 2026 National Association of Rehabilitation Nurses Leadership Summit.
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