BRENTWOOD, Tennessee—IntellaTriage, a provider of nurse-first triage solutions for hospice and home health organizations, named Triage Nurse Wina Hanselman as its 2025 Nurse of the Year.
"Everything about the experience felt special," Hanselman said. "I'm incredibly grateful, proud and humbled to have received this award. 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."
The company said the annual recognition honors the IntellaTriage nurse who exemplifies the organization's core values in their everyday work and interactions with patients and their families. The award is based on a combination of performance metrics, peer and leadership feedback and demonstration of the company's mission and culture.
"The recognition also reflects a broader industry reality—investing in nurses is an investment in patient care itself," IntellaTriage said. "In hospice and home health, where all moments, regardless of time of day, carry significant emotional and clinical weight, nurse-first triage models ensure patients and caregivers speak directly to a licensed nurse every time they call."
Hanselman was recognized not only for her clinical performance but also for the compassion and reassurance she consistently provides to patients and families during difficult moments.
In 2025, Hanselman answered 5,928 calls, resolved more than 58% of calls without escalation, and ranked in the organization's top five performance scorecard throughout the year.
"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, while utilizing the systems and technology around her in a way that keeps the focus exactly where it should be—on the patient."
Throughout the year, IntellaTriage recognizes clinicians through a Nurse of the Month program, with those recipients becoming eligible for the annual Nurse of the Year award. The winner receives a four-day, three-night trip for themselves and a guest. Hanselman selected a trip to Marco Island with her husband, Mark.
Hanselman said the foundation of her success as a triage nurse is rooted in communication, empathy and 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 said. "Showing compassion and empathy is one of the greatest gifts I can give them."