Inpatient Pediatrics Unit
Our Approach
At Providence St. Peter Hospital, our inpatient pediatric team provides compassionate, around-the-clock care for infants, children and teens in a supportive, family-centered environment. We care for patients up to age 17 – and, in some cases, young adults up to 21 – ensuring continuity with their pediatric providers.
Our unit is staffed 24/7 by Providence pediatric nurses and Seattle Children’s hospitalists – doctors who manages your child’s care during their hospital stay -- combining trusted local care with access to leading pediatric expertise. We treat a wide range of medical conditions, from common childhood illnesses to more complex needs, while working closely with pediatric specialists when advanced care is needed.
When a child needs a higher level of specialized treatment, we’re seamlessly connected to Seattle Children’s. This collaboration ensures your child receives the safest, highest quality, and most appropriate care – whether that means staying close to home or transitioning to a dedicated children’s hospital.
At every step, we focus on clear communication, helping families understand what’s happening and what to expect, so you feel informed, supported and confident in your child’s care.
What to Expect
Our Seattle Children’s pediatric hospitalists and Providence nurses are here day and night to care for your child.
Most children are admitted through the St. Peter’s Emergency Department or by referral from a pediatrician. We’ll get your child assessed quickly, explain what’s happening and what to expect.
We treat breathing problems, diabetes, infections and many other common childhood conditions. If your child needs a specialist, we work closely with Seattle Children’s.
We follow the same high standards as Seattle Children’s , with care based on the latest medical standards.
Conditions Treated
Our inpatient pediatric team cares for many common childhood conditions and infections.
Common conditions:
- Allergic reactions
- Breathing conditions, like asthma, bronchiolitis, mild to moderate croup, pneumonia and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
- Diabetes care, including diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
- Digestive concerns, like abdominal pain, constipation, dehydration and other stomach-related issues
- Eating concerns
- Headaches and migraines
- Jaundice
- Neurologic conditions, including seizures, fainting and other nervous system concerns
- Poisoning or ingestion, such as swallowing something harmful or medication overdose
- Urinary concerns
Infectious diseases:
- Cellulitis, a bacterial skin infection
- Fevers
- Sepsis, a serious, body-wide response to infection
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs), including kidney infections
This is not a complete list. If you have questions about your child’s care, please speak with your care team.
When to Seek Care From a Children’s Hospital
If your child is very sick or seriously injured, our team will focus on getting them the safest, highest quality care as quickly as possible. Sometimes that means care at a children’s hospital, where there are more pediatric specialists and the right tools and equipment. Serious sickness or injury can include:
- Bacterial meningitis – a serious infection affecting the brain and spine
- Complex heart conditions that may require specialized medications or surgery
- Head injuries that may impact breathing
- New diagnosis of diabetes requiring insulin management
- Severe injuries or major trauma from accidents
- Significant breathing difficulties requiring advanced support, such as a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine or ventilator
- Sudden changes in brain or nervous system function, such as seizures or extreme drowsiness
Our Services
We support patients before and after surgery, with pediatric hospitalists available for consultation as needed to ensure coordinated, high-quality care.
Providence offers a range of pediatric surgical options at Providence St. Peter Hospital, including:
- Adenoidectomy
- Appendectomy
- Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) procedures
- Orthopedic surgeries
- Tonsillectomy
Expert Pediatrics Hospital Care from Seattle Children’s
At Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia, your child’s care is supported by Seattle Children’s hospitalists – specialists in pediatric inpatient medicine. Working closely with Providence care teams, they provide expert, coordinated care for children who need hospital-based treatment, ensuring seamless communication and continuity every step of the way.