Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center

Originally established in 1885 as the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad Hospital, the facility has deep historical roots in the region. In 1976, the Salida Hospital District was formed, transforming the institution into a community-governed entity. The hospital moved to its current state-of-the-art facility at 1000 Rush Drive on April 1, 2008, enabling advanced medical technology and practices in a rural setting. HRRMC is a certified Level IV Trauma Center and a Critical Access Hospital capable of treating severe, life-threatening injuries. As an employer, HRRMC positions itself as a cornerstone of its community, emphasizing excellence, compassion, and innovation. For nurses, the work environment is described as collaborative and patient-centered, with close coordination among patients, surgeons, anesthesia providers, and ancillary departments. The organization actively promotes the lifestyle advantages of living in Chaffee County, which features more 14,000-foot peaks than any other Colorado county, offering skiing, hiking, biking, fishing, river rafting, and a vibrant arts community.

Mission: To enhance the health of our community through the delivery of personalized and exceptional care. Vision: To be the healthcare provider of choice for our region as a world-class rural medical organization. Eight core values guide employee behavior: Teamwork, Safety, Recognition, Talent, Attitude, Accountability, Customer Service, and Respect. The organization emphasizes putting the 'care' in healthcare by providing quality care close to home.