For nurses, this designation really indicates that this is a place where you would want to work. It's a nurse-friendly environment and one in which they [nurses] are really valued.

Nurses look for environments to work where they're valued and respected and they look for an environment where they can participate and be involved in decision-making. We have a strong physician-nurse relationship. Our physicians highly regard our nursing staff.

This really is the highest recognition within the nursing profession. The nurses at El Camino are so proud of having achieved this status.

It's going to soak up nurses we can't afford to lose. The nursing work force is tight and getting tighter.

Nurses, physicians, counselors but there are probably needs for others. And at the moment the work that's going on is work identifying potential volunteers who would be available to go at very short notice potentially as early as this weekend.

Patient care volunteers work with the team, of doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains and other disciplines. There are 24 hours of training required and medical and background checks because they go into the homes to provide practical and emotional support for the patients and families.