How to Become an RN in Tennessee: 5 Steps

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Written by Ann Real, BSN, RN Content Writer, IntelyCare
A nurse looks at a clipboard while discussing how to become an RN in Tennessee.

Learning how to become an RN in Tennessee is the first step toward a rewarding and impactful career in healthcare. The Volunteer State is famous for its vibrant music scene, beautiful parks, and booming medical industry. Tennessee is also one of the fastest-growing states in the country, ranked second in GDP growth, making it an exciting place for skilled professionals to start or advance their careers.

Ready to begin your journey to becoming an RN in Tennessee? This article is your roadmap, covering everything from schooling and licensing to career opportunities and salaries.

How to Become an RN in Tennessee: Fun Facts

  • Growing healthcare industry: Tennessee is home to more than 190 hospitals, including some of the nation’s top-ranked facilities like Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
  • High demand for RNs: The Tennessee Department of Labor projects a 16% growth in demand for RNs in the next decade, which is higher than the national average.
  • Cost of living advantage: Tennessee has a lower cost of living than many states, allowing RNs to stretch their salaries further.
  • Work-life balance: Tennessee offers plenty of outdoor activities, including over 50 state parks, the Great Smoky Mountains, waterfalls, and vibrant cities like Nashville.
  • No state income tax: Tennessee is one of the few states with no state income tax, which means more of your salary stays in your pocket.

What Does an RN in Tennessee Do?

RNs in Tennessee work in various environments such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, schools, and home healthcare, and they may specialize in fields like pediatrics, cardiology, or oncology. While responsibilities can vary by setting, some of the key duties you can expect in many nursing roles include:

  • Assessing and monitoring patient health: You’ll be responsible for performing assessments of patient’s health status, including monitoring vital signs and medical histories.
  • Administering medications and treatments: You’ll administer medications and therapies while monitoring for side effects.
  • Developing care plans: You’ll develop personalized nursing care plans that address your patients’ needs.
  • Educating patients and families: You’ll teach patients about disease management, medication use, and preventive care.
  • Documenting patient information: You’ll maintain medical records about the care provided.

How Long Does It Take to Become an RN in Tennessee?

Wondering how to become an RN in Tennessee fast? The quickest way to earn a nursing degree is by completing an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), which can be accomplished in about two years. Alternatively, you can choose to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which usually takes four years to complete. While the BSN degree requires a longer commitment, it’s often preferred by healthcare employers because it offers a more comprehensive education.

If you’re already an ADN-trained nurse, you can advance your education through a bridge program, such as an RN-to-BSN, which typically takes about two years to complete.

How to Become an RN in Tennessee: 5 Steps

Ready to turn your passion for helping others into a nursing career? Let’s map out your path to becoming an RN in Tennessee.

Step 1: Complete an Accredited Nursing Program

Start with selecting an ADN or BSN program that’s accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). To ensure the program meets state requirements, review the Tennessee Board of Nursing’s list of approved schools before applying.

Interested in earning a BSN degree? Take a look at these top-rated universities in Tennessee:

  • Vanderbilt University
  • Belmont University
  • Union University
  • Austin Peay State University
  • Carson-Newman University

Planning to pursue an ADN degree? Here are some community colleges that offer 2-year RN programs in TN:

  • Pellissippi State Community College
  • Jackson State Community College
  • Chattanooga State Community College
  • Columbia State Community College
  • Cleveland State Community College

Worried about paying for school? Explore scholarships and grants in Tennessee to help fund your journey toward a nursing career. Additionally, finding a student nurse job can help cover your tuition costs and strengthen your nursing resume.

Step 2: Prepare for and Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam

Your next step is to pass the NCLEX-RN exam. This is the national licensure exam that tests your knowledge, ensuring you’re ready for real-life work with patients. Successfully passing this exam grants you an RN license.

Here are the steps to take to schedule your NCLEX exam in Tennessee:

  • Complete a criminal background check.
  • Schedule your exam with Pearson VUE.
  • Request an official transcript from your nursing school to be sent directly to the Board of Nursing.
  • Create an application on the Tennessee Department of Health licensure and regulatory system and upload the necessary documents, including proof of citizenship and passport-size photos.

Here’s a rundown of the fees associated with the application process:

If you don’t pass your exam on your first try, you can retake the NCLEX. However, if you’re unsuccessful on your second attempt, the Tennessee Board of Nursing may provide recommendations that you’ll need to follow before trying again.

Step 3: Apply for Your Tennessee RN License

After you pass the NCLEX, the Tennessee Board of Nursing will process your application and issue your RN license, which is your gateway to fulfilling your professional goals and making a difference in the lives of patients.

Tennessee is a member of the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC), giving you the option to apply for either a compact (multistate) license or a Tennessee-specific license. A compact license is perfect for those interested in travel nursing or moving to other states.

Step 4: Start Your Job Hunt

Now that you’ve learned how to become an RN in Tennessee, it’s time to begin your career. The state offers a wide range of RN jobs, from renowned hospitals to specialized clinics. Check out these top-ranked Tennessee hospitals to get started on your job search:

Wondering which specialties are best for new grad nurses? Many RNs choose to start their careers with specialties that help them learn foundational nursing skills, such as med-surg and progressive care. However, if you’re aiming to work in a specific specialty, such as psychiatric nursing or labor and delivery, consider applying for a nursing externship to gain the experience necessary to land your dream job right away.

Step 5: Keep Your License Up to Date

You’ll need to renew your Tennessee nursing license every two years. Always check for updates on the Tennessee Department of Health website to ensure you’re following the latest renewal guidelines.

How Much Do RNs Earn in Tennessee?

Now that you’ve learned how to become a registered nurse in Tennessee, let’s explore the earning potential. RNs in the state earn an average of $78,240 per year, but your salary could vary based on your education level, experience, and the healthcare facility you choose to work in.

Salaries tend to be higher in big cities. To help you get started, here’s a list of the five largest cities in Tennessee by population:

Helpful Resources for Tennessee Nurses

Want to dive deeper into life as an RN in the Volunteer State? Check out these helpful resources to learn all about how to become an RN in Tennessee:

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