Jim began his career as a Peace Corps volunteer in Ethiopia fresh out of college with a degree in Life Sciences. Upon returning to the United States he entered the Nursing School his mother had attended. He worked as a Head Nurse at the Philadelphia VA then was hired by the State of Delaware to coordinate AIDS/HIV activities. He spent the next 20 years as the AIDS Coordinator working to improve prevention, care and treatment for persons with HIV infection. He then was tapped to create a Healthcare Bureau within the Department of Correction to improve the mental and physical health for those incarcerated. During his time at the State Jim worked to incorporate mindfulness, healthy diet, exercise and wellness in those he advocated for. He began his Holistic Nursing journey with Seeds and Bridges in February of 1997 completing work for his Holistic Certification in 1999 when he received his Holistic Nurse Certification from AHNCC. His current practice includes creating space for healing and growth using practices such as ritual, singing, sweat ceremonies, spiritual mentorship, and more. Currently he also is a Court Appointed Monitor for Jails with emphasis on improving the physical and mental health of those incarcerated in jails and prisons. Jim is part of the AHNA practice committee where he has served as chair. Jim lives with his husband of 43 years and 4 dogs on 89 acres of sacred woods. Jim Welch received the AHNA Holistic Nurse of the Year Award this year.
