Navy veteran and CRNA emphasises compassion, reflection, and resilience as keys to lasting care

JACKSONVILLE, FL / ACCESS Newswire / November 17, 2025 / After more than two decades of serving others - from military hospitals to operating rooms - Darrel Kalinski, a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) and former U.S. Navy Lieutenant, is speaking out about an issue that affects thousands of professionals every day: the emotional and mental wellbeing of healthcare workers.

Kalinski, whose career was recently profiled in the feature "Darrel Kalinski: Service, Strength, and the Science of Care", is advocating for stronger conversations around burnout, empathy, and sustainable self-care in the healthcare industry.

"Healthcare is about compassion, but we often forget to extend that same compassion to ourselves," Kalinski said. "We're trained to stay calm in chaos, but over time, that constant pressure can erode your emotional health if you don't care for your own spirit."

The Hidden Crisis in Healthcare

According to a 2023 survey by the American Nurses Foundation, more than 60% of nurses reported feeling emotionally exhausted, and nearly one in three considered leaving the profession due to stress and burnout. Studies also show that sustained burnout can reduce patient safety and overall care quality.

"These numbers shouldn't be seen as statistics - they represent real people," Kalinski said. "Colleagues, mentors, and friends who've given everything to this profession and are running on empty."

Kalinski believes addressing this issue begins with community, honesty, and connection - not just policy. Through his active role at The Church of Eleven22 in Jacksonville, where he serves across multiple ministries including care and discipleship teams, he has seen firsthand the healing power of empathy and active listening.

"When someone feels seen and supported, it changes everything," he shared. "That's true in medicine, in ministry, and in everyday life."

Lessons from Service and Science

Kalinski's message is grounded in his own journey. From his time as a Navy Nurse Officer, where he learned to lead under pressure, to his 12 years as a CRNA, precision and composure have been essential. But he says leadership in healthcare is just as much about humanity as it is about skill.

"In the Navy, I learned that strength isn't silence - it's presence," he said. "It's knowing when to speak, when to listen, and when to reach out for help."

He hopes that message encourages other professionals to drop the stigma around seeking mental and spiritual support. "We talk a lot about patient safety," Kalinski added, "but caregiver safety - emotional safety - is just as critical."

Small Actions That Make a Big Difference

Kalinski isn't calling for a large-scale initiative or a new organisation. Instead, he's asking for personal accountability - small, consistent habits that anyone in healthcare (or any demanding field) can start today:

• Pause before each shift. Take one minute to centre yourself, breathe, and set intention.

• Connect with one colleague daily. Ask how they're really doing. Listen fully.

• Reflect weekly. Write down three things you're grateful for and one area you need rest.

• Normalise asking for help. Check in with peers or professional support groups before burnout sets in.

"These aren't grand gestures," Kalinski said. "They're simple rhythms that help you stay grounded - physically, emotionally, and spiritually."

A Message of Hope and Service

Even as healthcare systems evolve, Kalinski believes the most powerful change comes from individuals choosing compassion - both for their patients and themselves.

"People think leadership means control," he reflected. "But real leadership is humility. It's saying, ‘I don't have all the answers, but I'm here with you.'"

He continues to teach and mentor through his church, sharing his story with other healthcare workers, students, and families navigating stressful seasons. His message remains consistent: service is sustainable only when it's supported by self-care.

Call to Action

Kalinski encourages anyone working in healthcare to take a step back this week and reflect - not just on their workload, but on their wellbeing. "You can't pour from an empty cup," he said. "Take care of yourself so you can keep caring for others."

To learn more about emotional health resources for healthcare workers, visit the American Nurses Foundation's Well-Being Initiative or reach out to a local peer support group.

Media Contact:

Email: darrelkalinski@emaildn.com
To read the full Interview, click here.

About Darrel Kalinski:

Darrel Kalinski is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), U.S. Navy veteran, and community leader based in Jacksonville, Florida. With a background in exercise physiology, nursing, and anesthesiology, he brings over 20 years of combined experience in healthcare and service. He is also an active member and ministry leader at The Church of Eleven22, where he mentors and supports individuals and families navigating life's challenges.

SOURCE: Darrel Kalinski