"Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia has joined the ranks of the top 4 percent of hospitals in the nation by earning Magnet recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

The Magnet Recognition Program recognizes health care organizations for providing nursing excellence.

Only two other hospitals in Washington State, the University of Washington and Seattle Children's Hospital in Seattle, have received the award.

Providence St. Peter Hospital has been developing its case for achieving Magnet status for the past six years. The work includes a rigorous evaluation of nursing policies, practices and procedures to ensure they are consistent with national benchmark standards. In addition, the process includes a three day site visit from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. The Magnet surveyors interview patients, hospital staff and community partners to assess the quality of nursing care delivered by Providence nurses.

Providence St. Peter Hospital, founded in 1887, is a 390-bed nonprofit hospital serving the South Puget Sound region with comprehensive medical, surgical and behavioral health services," quoting the Pierce County Business Examiner.