St. Bernards Five Rivers Medical Center

This page was created by an SBFR Employee and by no means should any of the comments be considered that of the Hospital Administration or Board of Governors.

Next Week's MenuALL Fried Foods may come in contact with FISH
12/19/2025

Next Week's Menu

ALL Fried Foods may come in contact with FISH

Compassion in Action: Ericka Loeffelholz’s Heart for Patients and Her TeamAt St. Bernards Five Rivers Medical Center, co...
12/17/2025

Compassion in Action: Ericka Loeffelholz’s Heart for Patients and Her Team

At St. Bernards Five Rivers Medical Center, compassion is a central part of patient care, and Med Surg Supervisor and Employee Health Nurse Ericka Loeffelholz is one of the individuals helping set that standard. Known for her level-headed approach and commitment to patient well-being, Ericka says her path into healthcare was anything but planned. “In all honesty, there was not one thing that inspired me to work in healthcare,” she said. “It was a fluke thing that included my sister, a BRTC catalog, a leap of faith, and God making ways into a field that I did not know I had a passion for.”

Today, that unexpected career decision has led to a role where Ericka is responsible for supervising nursing staff, coordinating patient discharges, and supporting employee health efforts within the hospital. She says compassion remains central to how she approaches each responsibility.

“To me, compassion in action is not only feeling compassion for other beings, but showing that compassion through your actions,” she said.

Ericka acknowledges that the fast pace of a medical-surgical unit can lead to difficult days, but she maintains perspective by focusing on the needs of the patients.
“I remind myself that my busy days or difficult days are not the fault of my patients,” she explained. “They only deserve the best care, even on the worst of days.”

Much of her work involves communicating with patients and their families as they prepare to leave the hospital. She hopes those interactions offer reassurance.
“I hope after some of these discussions that patients and families feel more calm and at peace with what may happen after leaving the hospital,” she said.

While patient care is at the forefront, Ericka says the most rewarding part of her job is the team she works with. “I get to work alongside a great team of nurses who always help each other out, always have each other's back, and willingly confront change head-on with minimal resistance,” she said. “It makes my job way less exhausting and way more rewarding.”

She believes the community should know just how strong the nursing staff is across the facility. “Five Rivers has some of the best nurses on the planet in all departments,” she said. “I may be a bit partial to the Med Surg nurses, but only by default.”

For those entering the healthcare field, she offers straightforward advice: stay teachable. “Never go into healthcare thinking you know all the answers because you completed a degree,” she said. “Always keep an open mind to learning new things and being educated further every day.”

Ericka's blend of humility, dedication, and patient-centered focus continues to reflect the hospital’s mission and serves as a reminder of the important role compassion plays in modern healthcare.

12/14/2025
Driven to Make a Difference: Dr. Ronald Barnett’s Compassion in ActionAt St. Bernards Five Rivers, compassion isn’t just...
12/10/2025

Driven to Make a Difference: Dr. Ronald Barnett’s Compassion in Action

At St. Bernards Five Rivers, compassion isn’t just a value—it’s a daily practice. Few embody that more fully than Dr. Ronald Barnett, whose calm presence, thoughtful approach, and genuine dedication to his patients make him an exceptional example of Compassion in Action.

For Dr. Barnett, the path to healthcare began with a natural curiosity and a heart for service. “I've always enjoyed figuring out what's wrong and finding ways to help people. That desire to solve problems and make a difference in someone's life is what drove me to healthcare,” he shares. It’s a motivation that has stayed with him throughout his career.

Over the years, Dr. Barnett has experienced many moments that reaffirm why he chose this profession. “There have been several moments like that. Even when the outcome isn't positive, I still find meaning in knowing I was there to help someone when they needed it most.” His words reflect the deep sense of purpose that guides him each day.

When asked what Compassion in Action means to him, Dr. Barnett’s answer is simple but powerful: “Taking the time to listen and respond in the best possible way for that person in that moment.” For him, compassion isn’t a single action—it’s a continual practice of presence, empathy, and thoughtful care.

Even on the hardest days, Dr. Barnett maintains his commitment to compassionate care. “I remind myself not to let someone's bad moment become my bad day. I try to maintain a positive outlook and not take things personally. That helps me stay centered and able to give my best to every patient.” His approach creates a reassuring environment not only for patients, but for colleagues who depend on his steadiness and professionalism.

Above all, Dr. Barnett hopes patients and families walk away feeling heard. “I hope they feel that I care and that I listen. My goal is to be the kind of doctor who takes the time to sit down and talk, not just rush in and out. Every patient deserves my full attention.”

For Dr. Barnett, the most rewarding part of his work is helping people navigate their health challenges. “Helping someone understand and manage the challenge of their healthcare needs. It's fulfilling to see a patient leave feeling more confident and supported.”

And when it comes to Five Rivers, his appreciation for the team and community is unmistakable. “You know everyone, and it truly feels like being part of a family. There's a genuine sense of community here, and that makes coming to work every day rewarding.”

Dr. Ronald Barnett’s compassion, sincerity, and dedication make a lasting impact on those he serves. We are proud to recognize him as a shining example of Compassion in Action.

Exciting News for Our Patients!Beginning Monday, December 5th, St. Bernards Five Rivers Rehab Services will officially b...
12/05/2025

Exciting News for Our Patients!

Beginning Monday, December 5th, St. Bernards Five Rivers Rehab Services will officially be in our new location to better serve you!

Our new space will offer improved accessibility, updated treatment areas, and the same compassionate, high-quality care you trust from our rehab team.

All appointments beginning December 5th will take place at the new location.
If you have any questions about your visit or need assistance, please call our office—we’re happy to help! 870-892-6009

Thank you for choosing St. Bernards Five Rivers Rehab Services. We look forward to welcoming you to our new home!

Serving Up Compassion: Christy Young’s Recipe for CaringIn the heart of St. Bernards Five Rivers Medical Center, Christy...
12/03/2025

Serving Up Compassion: Christy Young’s Recipe for Caring
In the heart of St. Bernards Five Rivers Medical Center, Christy Young serves up more than just meals—she serves kindness, care, and a genuine love for people. As a Dietary Cook, Christy plays an important role in nourishing both patients and staff, and her compassion shines through in every dish she prepares.
Christy’s inspiration for working in healthcare comes from a simple but powerful desire: to help people. Whether she’s preparing a comforting meal for a patient or greeting coworkers with a smile, Christy finds purpose in knowing she can make someone’s day a little brighter.
To Christy, “Compassion in Action” means being attentive to the needs of others and spreading kindness wherever it’s needed most. “Being compassionate for me is knowing that any patient or employee is happy,” she said. “Maybe a patient or people in general are in need of a listening ear or just to know someone cares.”
That sense of care extends beyond the kitchen. Christy hopes that every interaction she has—whether with patients, families, or fellow employees—leaves a lasting impression. “I want them to feel a sense of relief knowing someone is listening, knowing someone cares,” she shared.
For Christy, one of the most rewarding parts of her job is seeing others enjoy the food she and her team work so hard to prepare. “Knowing that people love and enjoy my cooking makes it all worthwhile,” she said with pride.
Christy also speaks highly of her coworkers in the Dietary Department, describing them as “amazing.” She encourages the community to “come see us” and experience the warmth and teamwork that make their department so special.
When asked what kind of legacy she hopes to leave behind, Christy’s answer reflects her humble spirit and deep care for others. “I want people to remember me as a caring and compassionate person who loves her job and takes pride in what she does—and I hope that whoever takes my place will do the same.”
Above all, Christy treasures the sense of family she feels at Five Rivers. “I love being able to come to work knowing that work is family, even on the bad days,” she said.
Through her dedication, positive spirit, and heart for helping others, Christy Young truly embodies Compassion in Action—nourishing not only the body but also the soul of everyone she serves.

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2801 Medical Center Drive
Pocahontas, AR
72455

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+18708926000

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Our Story

Our commitment is to our community! Five Rivers Medical Center is a 50 bed acute care hospital that services Randolph County and the surrounding counties in Northeast Arkansas. FRMC is designated a Level 4 Trauma Center. We are affiliated with UAMS AR Saves Stroke Care Program, which allows the ER to be connected with a neurologist quickly via Telemedicine should a patient present with stroke symptoms. We employ approximately 200 local residents and are one of the largest employers in Randolph County. Our wide services offered give our residents the opportunity to seek treatment locally. We provide emergency care, a complete array of radiological diagnostics, IV therapy and an aquatic therapy pool. We have two state of the art sleep labs, which provide a more comfortable environment for our patients. Physical therapy and speech therapy is also provided along with orthopedics, home health, which was recently recognized by Ability Network and Decision Health for being in the top 25% of home health agencies in the country, senior care and many other services.