Acclaimed Author, Registered Nurse, and Founder of Veritas Integrated Health Carlene K. White on Healing, Wellness, and Becoming Whole

Carlene K. White is an acclaimed New Orleans-based author, registered nurse, healthcare leader, and founder of Veritas Integrated Health.

With more than three decades of experience caring for others, Carlene has transformed her passion for service into a broader mission of helping people prioritize their own wellness, healing, and purpose.

Through her books, including Be Well Be Whole, Stop Killing Yourself by Accident, and Healing for the Helper, Carlene encourages readers to embrace gratitude, make intentional choices, and recognize that caring for themselves is just as important as caring for others.

In this exclusive interview, Carlene shares her inspiration, her wellness philosophy, and the message she hopes readers take away from her work.

Q: You have spent more than 30 years in healthcare. What inspired you to transition from caring for patients to becoming an author and wellness advocate?

Carlene K. White: My entire career has been built around helping people. Healthcare allowed me to care for individuals during some of their most vulnerable moments, but I realized that healing also happens through education, encouragement, and empowerment. Writing gave me another avenue to reach people and share messages that can help them make positive changes before they reach a crisis point.

Q: Your book Be Well Be Whole focuses on gratitude and wellness. Why was it important for you to create this journal?

Carlene K. White: I wanted to create something that encouraged people to slow down and reflect on their lives. Gratitude has the power to shift our perspective and help us recognize the blessings around us. Be Well Be Whole is about taking time to evaluate where you are, where you want to go, and what steps you need to take to become the healthiest version of yourself.

Q: The message behind Stop Killing Yourself by Accident is very powerful. What do you want readers to understand from that book?

Carlene K. White: Many times, we are making choices every day without realizing the impact those choices have on our health. The title is meant to make people stop and think. It is about becoming aware of our habits, our lifestyles, and the things we can change. We have to ask ourselves, “What is my why?” and decide that our health is worth protecting.

Q: Your latest book, Healing for the Helper, focuses on caregivers. Why is this message so important today?

Carlene K. White: Helpers are often the ones who give everything to everyone else and forget about themselves. Nurses, caregivers, parents, leaders, and those who serve others can become so focused on taking care of others that they neglect their own needs. I want people to understand that self-care is not selfish. It is necessary. You cannot continue pouring from an empty cup.

Q: The name of your company, Veritas Integrated Health, means “truth.” How does that connect to your mission?

Carlene K. White: Veritas means truth, and that word is very meaningful to me. Healing begins when we are honest with ourselves. We have to acknowledge where we are, recognize what needs to change, and take steps toward becoming whole. Veritas Integrated Health represents my belief that wellness involves the entire person, mind, body, and spirit.

Q: You have achieved many milestones as a healthcare professional, including serving as Chief Nursing Officer for DePaul Community Health Centers. How has your healthcare experience influenced your writing?

Carlene K. White: My healthcare background has given me a unique perspective on the importance of prevention, education, and compassion. I have seen firsthand how important it is for people to understand their health and advocate for themselves. My books come from years of experiences, conversations, and lessons learned from working with people.

Q: You are also involved with several healthcare and educational boards. Why is mentorship and leadership important to you?

Carlene K. White: Leadership is about creating opportunities for others to grow. I believe in pouring into the next generation of healthcare professionals and helping shape the future of healthcare. Education, mentorship, and community involvement are essential because the impact we make today can influence generations to come.

Q: What message do you hope readers take away from your books?

Carlene K. White: I want people to understand that they matter. Their health matters. Their story matters. It is never too late to make changes, prioritize themselves, and begin the journey toward healing. My hope is that people walk away feeling encouraged, empowered, and reminded that they deserve to live a life of wellness and purpose.

Q: What is next for Carlene K. White?

Carlene K. White: I am continuing to expand the message of wellness, healing, and purpose through my books, Veritas Integrated Health, and opportunities to connect with communities. My goal is to continue encouraging people to take ownership of their health and understand that becoming whole starts with truth, intention, and self-love.

For speaking engagement opportunities and partnerships:

Carlene K. White, Founder, Veritas Integrated Health, Email: carlene@veritasintegratedhealth.com