The Voice of Compassion: One Nurse’s Impact on Remote Healthcare

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. – May 12, 2026 – In a healthcare system grappling with unprecedented staffing shortages, the voice on the other end of the line has become more critical than ever. For thousands of families navigating the complexities of hospice and home health, that voice belongs to Wina Hanselman, LPN, who was just named the 2025 Nurse of the Year by IntellaTriage, a leading provider of nurse-first triage solutions.

The annual award recognizes the nurse who best embodies the organization's values, but Hanselman’s recognition points to a much larger story: the growing importance of combining technological efficiency with profound human empathy to deliver care in moments of crisis. Her performance in 2025—handling 5,928 calls and resolving over 58% without needing to dispatch a field nurse—is not just a statistic, but a testament to the power of expert, compassionate care delivered remotely.

A Human Connection Through the Phone

For patients in hospice or home health, and for their often-overwhelmed families, after-hours medical concerns can be a source of intense anxiety. The IntellaTriage model is built on the promise that every call is answered not by a machine or a non-clinical operator, but by a licensed nurse. Hanselman has become the exemplar of this promise.

Her role places her at the digital front line of some of life's most challenging moments. She fields calls from caregivers concerned about a loved one's pain management, breathing difficulties, or sudden changes in condition. Her job is to assess, guide, and reassure, all through a telephone line.

"More than the numbers, Wina represents the experience we hope every patient has when they interact with IntellaTriage," said Chief Executive Officer, Daniel Reese. "Her calm, reassuring demeanor and clinical confidence stand out immediately. She navigates complex situations with empathy and professionalism."

Hanselman herself sees her role in deeply personal terms. She attributes her success to a foundation of communication, empathy, and, most importantly, active listening. "When someone has a loved one at the end of life, it's one of the hardest moments they will ever experience," she stated. "Showing compassion and empathy is one of the greatest gifts I can give them."

This approach transforms a simple phone call into a lifeline. By providing clear clinical guidance while acknowledging the emotional weight of the situation, triage nurses like Hanselman empower families, manage symptoms effectively, and ensure that the focus remains on the patient's comfort and dignity.

A Model for a System in Crisis

Hanselman's individual excellence occurs against the backdrop of a severe and worsening national nursing shortage. Federal projections estimate a significant deficit of both Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) by 2026. The post-acute care sector, which includes hospice and home health, has been hit particularly hard. Reports indicate that some home health providers have been forced to turn away more than a quarter of patient referrals due to a lack of staff, creating a bottleneck that affects the entire healthcare system.

In this environment, innovative care models are not just beneficial; they are essential. The nurse-first triage model employed by companies like IntellaTriage offers a strategic solution to these systemic pressures. By centralizing after-hours calls and leveraging a remote network of licensed nurses, the model achieves several critical goals simultaneously.

First, it ensures patients have 24/7 access to expert clinical advice, which studies show can reduce unnecessary and costly emergency department visits and hospitalizations. Hanselman's ability to resolve nearly 3,500 calls without escalation in a single year demonstrates the model's power to provide the right level of care at the right time. Second, it significantly reduces the on-call burden for field clinicians, who are already stretched thin. This allows them to focus on scheduled in-person visits, operate at the top of their license, and achieve a healthier work-life balance—a key factor in mitigating burnout and improving nurse retention.

This data-driven, human-focused approach provides a crucial support structure for an industry under strain, ensuring that a shrinking workforce can still meet the needs of a growing patient population.

The Value of Recognition in a Remote Workforce

While remote work offers flexibility, it can also create a sense of isolation, a particular challenge in a profession built on connection. For healthcare organizations, actively recognizing and celebrating excellence is a powerful tool for building culture and retaining top talent. IntellaTriage’s Nurse of the Year program, which evolves from a monthly recognition system, is a case study in effective employee engagement.

The award is more than a plaque; it includes a four-day, three-night trip for the winner and a guest. Hanselman chose to travel to Marco Island with her husband, a tangible reward for a year of dedicated service. However, the psychological impact appears even more profound.

"I'm incredibly grateful, proud, and humbled to have received this award," Hanselman shared. "When I first came to IntellaTriage, I just didn't want to disappoint anyone. But the support here has built my confidence tremendously. I've been treated with kindness and respect."

Her statement reveals the powerful link between organizational support, individual confidence, and clinical performance. In high-stress roles, feeling valued can be the difference between burnout and sustained excellence. By creating a system that consistently identifies and celebrates nurses who exemplify its mission, the company reinforces its core values and fosters an environment where professionals can thrive. This investment in nurses is, as the industry is increasingly realizing, a direct investment in the quality and compassion of patient care itself.

As healthcare continues to evolve, the synthesis of technology and humanity represented by Wina Hanselman's work offers a promising path forward. Her recognition serves as a powerful reminder that even in an increasingly remote and digital world, the most effective tool in a nurse's toolkit remains a compassionate and listening ear.