Respiratory Care Department Features

The Respiratory Care Board is proud to feature respiratory care departments across California that exemplify clinical excellence, public service, and a commitment to patient safety.

These features showcase the vital work of Respiratory Care Practitioners (RCPs) in a wide range of healthcare settings—from small community hospitals to major medical centers. Each department highlighted here demonstrates leadership, innovation, and a deep dedication to delivering evidence-based respiratory care that protects and improves the health of Californians.

Through these stories, we aim to raise awareness of the respiratory care profession and recognize the dedicated teams working every day to support the safety and well-being of their communities.

• Loma Linda University Medical Center – Murrieta

  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
  

  • 2021 Video
  • 2022 Video
  • 2023 Video
  • 2024 Video

  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.

• Northridge Hospital Medical Center

  Location:
  Northridge Hospital Medical Center
  18300 Roscoe Blvd
  Northridge, CA 91325

  Located in the heart of the San Fernando Valley, Northridge Hospital Medical Center (NHMC), Dignity Health – A Member of CommonSpirit, provides a full spectrum of care for patients facing complex, progressive, and rapidly changing medical conditions. As a Level II Trauma Center for adults and the only pediatric trauma center in the Valley, the hospital’s Respiratory Care Services Department plays a critical role in ensuring patients and families receive life-saving care close to home. This year is especially meaningful, as NHMC celebrates its 70th anniversary in September 2025, marking seven decades of service to the community.

  A Wide Scope of Care
  The department’s 73 respiratory care practitioners (RCPs) work across the NICU, PICU, ICU, Emergency Department, and outpatient care. This broad expertise allows the team to care for patients of all ages—particularly children—without the need for transfer to distant facilities.

  A Culture of Collaboration
  With more than 70 respiratory therapists, many of whom have spent years or decades at NHMC, the department has built a family-like culture where colleagues support one another while delivering the highest level of care. That spirit of teamwork extends to formal collaboration, as seen in the department’s 100% participation in the Press Ganey Our Voice survey, which helps strengthen communication and continuous improvement. Recently, the department also transitioned to a new leader with more than 20 years of experience, ensuring fresh perspective while maintaining strong de and a united vision.

  Education and Mentorship
  NHMC is deeply committed to preparing the next generation of practitioners. By partnering with multiple local colleges, the department hosts respiratory care students each year, providing hands-on experience in a busy, high-acuity environment.

  Ace Nilson, Manager of Respiratory Care Services, offers this advice for new graduates:
  

  “My best advice to new grads entering the field is to be open to feedback and always remain coachable. You will encounter talented therapists—some with many years of experience, who you can learn from. Be open to what they have to say. Watch and learn as they interact with their patients.”

  Recognition and Celebration
  The department takes pride in honoring its staff through The PHIL Award, a national recognition program created in memory of Philip C. Lamka. This award celebrates respiratory therapists who go above and beyond, treating patients with compassion and dignity and embodying the belief that every breath matters. The team also comes together each year to celebrate Respiratory Care Week, offering meals for both shifts, gifts for staff, and recognition in the system newsletter that highlights the vital role of the profession.

  Lasting Impact
  Above all, the department strives to ensure that every patient receives the best possible respiratory care when they need it most. Excellence in care is their daily goal, and the team remains committed to achieving it with each patient they serve.

  Follow the team on social media: @DignityHealth | @CommonSpirit

  Photo Gallery

  

  The RCB is honored to feature the Respiratory Care Services team at Northridge Hospital Medical Center, whose collaboration, mentorship, and patient-centered care continue to make a lasting impact in their community.

• Community Hospital of San Bernardino

  Location:
  Community Hospital of San Bernardino
  1805 Medical Center Dr
  San Bernardino, CA 92411

  At Community Hospital of San Bernardino, respiratory care practitioners (RCPs) play an essential role in delivering comprehensive care to patients of all ages. With a team of 90 RCPs, the department provides a wide range of specialized services that extend far beyond traditional hospital settings, ensuring patients and families receive support wherever it’s needed most.

  Wide Scope of Services
  The respiratory therapy department covers an impressive variety of areas, including echocardiography, sleep studies, pediatrics, the emergency department, the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), behavioral health, and both adult and pediatric subacute care units. The team also provides transport services, accompanying subacute patients to school, activity rooms, and even showers—demonstrating a true commitment to continuity of care inside and outside the hospital walls.

  What Makes This Team Unique
  What sets the department apart is its breadth of specialized services and the ability to tailor respiratory support to diverse patient populations. Whether supporting fragile NICU patients, assisting in behavioral health units, or performing advanced diagnostic studies, the team provides personalized, comprehensive care that is integral to the hospital’s mission.

  Education and Student Support
  The department is deeply invested in preparing the next generation of respiratory care professionals. RCPs offer hands-on training, mentorship, and educational sessions for students and healthcare trainees, ensuring they gain both practical skills and confidence. By fostering a supportive learning environment, the team helps build a strong pipeline of skilled future practitioners.

  A Milestone in Progress
  One of the department’s standout projects is its work on expanding the NICU from Level 2 to Level 3. This growth will allow the hospital to meet a critical need in the community by providing a higher level of specialized neonatal care, ensuring families have access to advanced services close to home.

  Collaboration and Team Spirit
  Collaboration is at the heart of the department’s culture. Regular team meetings, open communication, and a strong tradition of mentorship keep staff connected and motivated. Successes and milestones are celebrated, creating a positive, family-like environment that directly supports patient care and staff morale.

  Guidance for New Professionals
  For new graduates entering the field, the department offers wise advice:

  “Stay curious and never stop learning. Medicine and technology are always evolving, so keeping up to date is key. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, build strong relationships, and take care of yourself along the way.”

  Impact on Community and Profession
  The department strives to improve the health and quality of life of patients in San Bernardino by providing expert, compassionate care across all settings. Beyond the hospital, the team is committed to advancing the respiratory care profession through education, innovation, and leadership—setting high standards and inspiring future practitioners.

  Celebrating the Profession
  Respiratory Care Week is celebrated with energy and pride at Community Hospital. Events like team lunches, recognition ceremonies, and interdepartmental engagement highlight the important role respiratory care plays in healthcare while honoring the dedication of the hospital’s therapists.

  The respiratory care team at Community Hospital of San Bernardino demonstrates versatility, innovation, and compassion—making them a cornerstone of both their community’s health and the broader respiratory care profession.

  Photo Gallery

  

  The RCB is honored to feature the Respiratory Care Department at Community Hospital of San Bernardino for their dedication, innovation, and compassionate care to every patient.