CUMMING — Two Northside Hospital nurses who work at the system’s Forsyth campus were recently honored as the tops in their profession.

The 16 “most outstanding nurses in Georgia” included Kate Lee and Vicki Barnett, who were two of the five Northside nurses recognized during the fifth annual March of Dimes Nurse of the Year Awards.

Lee received the Rising Star Award. Katherine Watson, spokeswoman for Northside Hospital, said Lee works at the Forsyth and Atlanta campuses as a wound ostomy continence nurse.

Barnett was honored with the Surgical Services Award through her work as director of surgical services for the Northside Hospital Healthcare System, which includes the Forsyth campus, Watson said.

According to a news release, March of Dimes recognizes nurses who “demonstrate exceptional patient care, compassion and service.” From health care providers to educators, researchers or chapter volunteers and advisers, “these nurses have played a critical role in improving the health of Georgia’s residents.”

Nurse of the Year Awards are presented annually in about 16 categories after narrowing the field down from more than 800 nurses who were nominated throughout the state. Of those, 240 were selected as finalists.