Rate My Professor Catrina Welch

Catrina Welch serves as Assistant Professor of Nursing and Chair of the Department of Nursing at Bemidji State University. She earned a Master’s Degree in Nursing from the University of Central Florida and maintains an active CCRN certification issued by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses, underscoring her specialized knowledge in critical care. Welch brings a wealth of practical experience to her academic role, having worked in diverse nursing positions that include intensive care, telemedicine, clinical education, and nursing education. Her clinical specialties are critical care and simulation, which inform her teaching and leadership in preparing students for professional practice in healthcare settings.

Since joining Bemidji State University in 2021, Welch has held multiple leadership positions, including chief nurse administrator. She actively advises students, participates in departmental milestones such as the 40-year anniversary pinning ceremony where she presented pins to 86 graduates, and contributes to community health efforts, including her role in the Sanford Bemidji Medical Center’s 2025-2027 Community Health Needs Assessment. Welch has publicly advocated for enhanced support for nursing students, many of whom hail from disadvantaged backgrounds and balance family obligations, full-time employment, and demanding coursework. In response to a $1 million endowment gift honoring a late faculty member, she noted, “Many of our students come from disadvantaged backgrounds and struggle with basic needs during school. They have family responsibilities as well as full-time jobs on top of the rigors of nursing school. A contribution from a local supporter like Keith can make a huge difference in how much time can now be spent on their studies rather than their needs for survival.” Her guidance emphasizes organization, preparation, and communication, as evidenced in her praise for student achievements.