Three local women are among six Albany Medical Center nurses to be honored with the Pillars of Nursing Awards — the highest nursing award bestowed by the medical center for excellence in patient care and leadership:

— Dorothy Augenstein, of Guilderland, a registered nurse in pediatrics;

— Joyce Swanson, of Guilderland, a registered nurse with a bachelor of science degree in nursing, who is nurse manager of the post-anesthesia care unit surgical and interventional services; and

— Lisa Welter, of Slingerlands, a registered nurse with a bachelor of science degree in nursing, who is nurse manager of elective orthopedics.

“Their stories speak of leadership, caring, and collaboration, and the passion for putting the patient first,” said Mary Ellen Plass, senior vice president and chief nursing officer, in a release from the medical center.