Every great career begins with a foundation built on service, discipline, and heart — and for Darrel Kalinski, those values have guided every chapter of his life.
From the athletic fields of his youth to the operating rooms of major hospitals, his story is one of dedication, resilience, and a steady pursuit of excellence.
“I’ve always believed that if you’re going to do something, you do it with integrity and purpose,” Kalinski says. “That principle has carried me through every stage of my life — from the Navy to healthcare to fatherhood.”
Early Discipline and a Lifelong Commitment to Learning
Born on Andrews Air Force Base to a Marine Corps veteran, Darrel Kalinski grew up surrounded by structure, teamwork, and service. Sports quickly became his first classroom. He played football, basketball, and baseball through high school, where he learned the power of focus, consistency, and leadership.
“Sports taught me more than just competition,” he recalls. “They taught me accountability. You can’t win if you’re not willing to put in the work.”
That same work ethic defined his early career. His first job at Publix, where he worked for five years, grounded him in the importance of discipline and customer care. But even then, Kalinski knew he wanted more — a career that combined science, physical performance, and service to others.
After earning his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology from the University of North Florida, he became a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) — one of the most respected credentials in sports science. He later served as an assistant strength and conditioning coach at Jacksonville University, helping collegiate athletes reach their peak performance.
“I loved that job,” he says. “It was about helping people achieve what they didn’t think was possible — pushing limits safely and seeing the results.”
Answering a New Call: The Path to Nursing and the U.S. Navy
While working with athletes, Kalinski became fascinated by the science of recovery and care — how the body heals after stress or injury. That curiosity led him back to the classroom. He returned to the University of North Florida, this time to pursue a Bachelor’s in Nursing, with the help of a scholarship from the U.S. Navy’s Nurse Candidate Program.
“It was one of the biggest decisions of my life,” he says. “The Navy gave me the opportunity to serve my country while developing a skill set that truly saves lives.”
Commissioned as a United States Naval Officer, Kalinski served six distinguished years as a Navy Nurse, earning the rank of Lieutenant (O-3). His military experience shaped not only his clinical skills but also his leadership style.
“In the Navy, you learn quickly that leadership isn’t about authority — it’s about example,” he explains. “You have to be calm under pressure. People depend on you to stay steady, especially in tough moments.”
A Career in Anesthesiology: Precision and Purpose
After his service, Kalinski used his Post-9/11 G.I. Bill to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing, becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) — the highest clinical credential in the nursing profession.
“It’s the pinnacle of what you can achieve as a nurse,” he says. “Anesthesia requires total focus. It’s about balancing science, experience, and intuition.”
Kalinski went on to work in hospitals and medical centres across Florida, including Orange Park Medical Center and Borland Groover, as well as in independent contracting roles. Over 12 years in the operating room, he built a reputation for technical precision, calm leadership, and compassionate care.
He remains a licensed advanced practice nurse in Florida and an active voting member of several key professional bodies, including the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA), the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA), and the Florida Association of Nurse Anesthetists.
“Being part of these organisations keeps me sharp,” he says. “Medicine evolves constantly, and it’s my responsibility to evolve with it.”
Faith, Family, and Leadership Beyond Medicine
Outside of work, Kalinski is a husband, father, and devoted member of The Church of Eleven22, where he serves across multiple ministries. He helps lead a 70-member men’s discipleship group, teaches in the Kids Ministry, and mentors youth through the Student Ministry.
“I’ve learned that leadership at church isn’t different from leadership in healthcare,” he says. “In both places, you listen first, guide gently, and show grace when people struggle.”
He also volunteers with the church’s Care and Respond Teams, offering prayer and support to individuals and families in crisis. “It’s humbling work,” he adds. “You meet people in some of their hardest moments, and you remind them they’re not alone.”
When he’s not serving or working, Kalinski enjoys running, exercising, and coaching his son in flag football and soccer — something he calls “the highlight of his week.”
“Being a dad is my greatest joy,” he says. “Watching my son learn teamwork and perseverance brings everything full circle.”
A Legacy of Service and Strength
Through every stage of his journey — athlete, soldier, nurse, and mentor — Darrel Kalinski has held fast to the same core values: faith, excellence, and service to others.
“I don’t believe success is about titles or recognition,” he reflects. “It’s about using your gifts to make a difference — wherever you are, with whatever you have.”
His life reminds us that true leadership isn’t about power or prestige. It’s about presence — showing up, staying steady, and lifting others along the way.
Read more:
Darrel Kalinski: From Navy Nurse to Leader in Anesthesiology
