Galina Kinel, RN brings her critical care and procedural nursing background to a vital behind-the-scenes role as CrescentCare’s Environment of Care RN. With her detail-oriented approach and collaborative spirit, Galina ensures that both patients and staff benefit from the safest possible healthcare environment.

Drawing from her extensive hospital experience, Galina transitioned to environment of care in 2025 to support her colleagues in a new way – using her nursing expertise and clinical judgment to create systems that enable direct patient care providers to work safely and effectively. Her philosophy centers on a fundamental truth: healthcare workers can only provide excellent patient care when they themselves are safe and supported.

Galina’s work touches every aspect of CrescentCare’s operations. She conducts comprehensive environmental rounds to ensure supplies are available and current, emergency equipment is functioning properly, and patients enter clean, safe spaces. She developed CrescentCare’s respiratory protection program, including respirator fit testing for all clinical staff, and is currently creating an innovative ergonomics program recognizing that even desk-based work can pose health risks.

One of Galina’s key responsibilities is staff health clearance during onboarding, ensuring all required immunizations are current – a critical step that protects both patients and colleagues. Her attention to detail and proactive approach help identify potential safety issues before they become problems.

What drives Galina is her deep commitment to CrescentCare’s mission of serving New Orleans’ most vulnerable communities. She believes that safe, high-quality healthcare is a human right, and she’s proud to work for an organization that shares her values and dedication to excellence.

When she’s not ensuring optimal safety standards, Galina enjoys gardening, cooking, creating jewelry and crafts, and spending as much time outdoors as possible – activities that help her maintain the balance needed to bring her best self to this important work.