Location:
Loma Linda University Medical Center – Murrieta
28062 Baxter Road, Murrieta, CA 92563
Tucked in the heart of southwest Riverside County, Loma Linda University Medical Center – Murrieta (LLUMC-Murrieta) delivers world-class respiratory care that rivals larger institutions, all while remaining deeply connected to the community it serves. With a team of 55 licensed Respiratory Care Practitioners (RCPs), the department plays an essential role in advancing patient outcomes, hospital safety, and clinical education.
Despite operating within a 110-bed facility, LLUMC-Murrieta consistently maintains an average daily census of over 150. Their impact is anything but small.
Clinical Excellence Across the Continuum of Care
RCPs at LLUMC-Murrieta are embedded in nearly every area of the hospital, ensuring expert care from the Emergency Department to the NICU. Their scope includes mechanical ventilation management, bronchodilator delivery, airway clearance, and emergency response. They also support procedural areas like bronchoscopy and conscious sedation, and play an active role in transport, rapid response, and code teams.
Notably, the department has expanded into advanced roles, including arterial and PICC line insertions, and is making inroads into home care coordination and chronic disease education. This growth reflects a department not only keeping pace with modern healthcare demands but helping shape them.
A Culture Rooted in Mission and Collaboration
What distinguishes LLUMC-Murrieta’s department is more than its clinical reach. As a Seventh-day Adventist institution, LLUMC is committed “to make man whole” by infusing both patient care and team culture with a deep sense of purpose. It’s a holistic model that recognizes the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of healing.
The department fosters strong interdisciplinary partnerships, particularly with nursing, physicians, and allied health teams. Their joint initiative to reduce central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) led to a remarkable achievement: zero CLABSI events over two consecutive years! This effort also contributed to the hospital earning a Leapfrog ‘A’ Safety Grade and a boost in its CMS Star Rating.
A Hub for Learning and Mentorship
LLUMC-Murrieta takes pride in shaping the next generation of RCPs. Through close partnerships with local respiratory therapy programs, the department provides rich, hands-on training across critical care, emergency, and neonatal settings. Students are mentored by seasoned RCPs and supported through skills labs and case discussions designed to build clinical reasoning and confidence.
“Our team doesn’t just teach skills, we mentor future leaders in respiratory care,” shared the department’s Director, Edwin Briones. “We see ourselves as both caregivers and educators.”
Recognition That Resonates
Each year, the hospital celebrates Respiratory Care Week in a meaningful way, culminating in the RCP of the Year celebration. It’s a heartfelt tradition that includes custom tribute videos, public recognition, and a hospital-wide show of appreciation—reminders that the department’s work is both seen and deeply valued.
Looking Forward: Elevating the Profession
While LLUMC-Murrieta continues to grow its clinical footprint, its leadership remains committed to advocacy, innovation, and excellence. The department is actively working to enhance its digital presence and raise awareness about the vital role of RCPs, not just during Respiratory Care Week, but every day.
“Our vision is clear: to deliver safe, compassionate, and evidence-based care that patients trust, and to ensure that respiratory care is recognized as a critical part of modern healthcare,” said the Director.
Watch the Heart of Their Work
Photo Gallery
We’re proud to highlight LLUMC-Murrieta’s Respiratory Care Department for their dedication to delivering safe, high-quality care to every patient.
