Community care is Johnson’s passion

A 2010 Red Oak graduate is the newest provider at Methodist Physicians Clinic in Red Oak. Liz (Cooper) Johnson began as a Family Nurse Practitioner Nov. 1 after working as a registered nurse in the same clinic the past several years. 

“I’m enjoying it so far,” said Johnson. “It’ll get even better each week as I gain more confidence.”

Johnson said despite nursing being a rewarding and fulfilling career, receiving her Doctor of Nursing had been a goal for years. 

“It’s been in the back of my mind since I started nursing school,” she said. 

She added having a background in nursing helps her see both sides of a situation as a provider, although it’s “definitely different.”

“I like being able to help those in my community, especially since I was born and raised here. I want to be able to improve the health of those in the community that means so much to me,” Johnson said. 

However, that doesn’t mean completing the degree was an easy feat - especially while continuing to work part-time and being a wife and mother to two young children. 

“You just do it, day by day. I worked during the day, did clinical on my days off, homework in the evenings and my weekends were dedicated to my family.” 

Johnson said there were tears at times during the coursework, but never did the thought cross her mind to quit. She credits that to her supportive family, friends and co-workers. 

“It was all worth it,” she said. 

Johnson is taking patients as a primary care provider; she is also seeing acute patients and helping out wherever it’s needed, such as for well child checks and pre-operation physical exams. To get an appointment with Johnson, call the clinic at 712-623-7250. Her office hours are Monday through Friday, although just the mornings on Tuesday. 

The Red Oak Express

2012 Commerce Drive
P.O. Box 377
Red Oak, IA 51566
Phone: 712-623-2566 Fax: 712-623-2568

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