ARNP Beth Mraz Joins LOA Staff

In an effort to reduce patient wait-time, Longview Orthopedic Associates (LOA) has added Nurse Practitioner Elizabeth Mraz to its staff. She began seeing patients on February 4^th.

“Elizabeth is outgoing, articulate and eager to do a good job,” said Dr. Bruce Blackstone of LOA. “We feel fortunate to have her on board.” Mraz will handle initial evaluations and follow-ups, treat minor problems, make referrals to physicians and, eventually, assist in surgery.

Mraz said the opportunity to work at LOA was too good to pass up. “This job gives me a chance to learn orthopedics from a respected and knowledgeable group of surgeons,” Mraz said. “I see my role as that of health care provider, educator and facilitator. As a nurse practitioner, my education had a strong emphasis on involving patients in their care and educating them so that they can make informed decisions.”

In addition to the opportunity to work with an experienced orthopedic team, Mraz said she was attracted to LOA’s record of community involvement. “Many of the providers are involved with local athletics and other organizations,” she said. “I want to be part of a group that contributes to the community, and LOA is that kind of group.”

Previously, Mraz worked as an RN at Southwest Washington Medical Center in Vancouver, where she assisted in orthopedic, neurological, and cardiothoracic specialties. Prior to that, she was employed as a family nurse practitioner at the Cowlitz Family Health Center in Longview.

Mraz graduated from Pacific Lutheran University with an M.S. in Nursing in 2006 and completed her clinical experience at Capital Medical Center in Olympia and Tacoma General Hospital. She is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, the American Association of Operating Room Nurses, and the Washington State Nurses Association.

She and her husband live in Vancouver. They enjoy backpacking, rock climbing, and whitewater rafting.