While the city of Nashville is known for music, it also lays claim to another title. Forbes calls Music City The Health Services Capital of the U.S. That’s partially because more patients receive healthcare services in Nashville and throughout the surrounding area than any other metropolitan area. Nursing jobs in Nashville are also high profile. Of the 62,250 nurses in Tennessee, nearly one-third work in the Nashville metro area.
Nashville also earned its stature in healthcare when it was the first to implement the idea of “hospital systems,” where individual hospital facilities could achieve economies of scale by forming a relationship or an overall system. Hospital Corporation of America (HCA), based in Nashville, was the first of these systems.
Three of the country’s well-known nursing schools are located in Nashville. Vanderbilt University School of Nursing is known for its graduate nursing programs. Belmont University’s School of Nursing has a full menu of nursing options from beginning nursing students to accelerated BSN and RN to BSN programs. Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia is the only independent and accredited institution of its kind.
Quick Facts About Nursing Jobs in Nashville
- Is Tennessee a compact state? Yes
- What do RNs earn in Nashville? The average (mean) annual salary for RN jobs in Nashville is $77,240, compared to the average national RN salary of $89,010.
- Where can I find information about RN license requirements in Tennessee? You can visit the Tennessee Board of Nursing for up-to-date information.
What to Know When Pursuing Nursing Jobs in Nashville
If you have your sights set on middle Tennessee to launch or continue your nursing career, you will find plenty of nursing jobs in Nashville. You’ll find opportunities to work full-time, part-time, on contract, temporarily, or even per diem. Hospitals, doctors’ offices, nursing homes, and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) seek qualified RNs, CNAs, and LPNs.
Nearly 700,000 people call Nashville home. The median age is 34. Residents 65 years and older make up 12% of the population. Those under 65 with a disability total 8%.
Working in Nashville
Healthcare is Nashville’s largest industry, with more than 900 healthcare-related businesses in the region. Jobs in healthcare employ nearly 168,000. Other leaders in employment and commerce include music and entertainment, advanced manufacturing, and supply chain management.
The largest hospital in Tennessee, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, is in Nashville. In terms of the number of beds, the next-largest hospitals in the Nashville area are:
- TriStar Centennial Medical Center
- Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown
- Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital West
You can also look for nursing jobs in Nashville at one of the 68 nursing homes in the metro area. U.S. News & World Report gave a five out of five rating to:
- Adamsplace
- Gallatin Health Care Center
- Lebanon Center for Rehabilitation and Healing
- Life Care Center of Hickory Woods
- Stones River Manor
- The Reserve at Spring Hill
So, how long does it take to get to your nursing job in Nashville, TN? The average commute time is just over 24 minutes, slightly below the national average.
If you’re looking for childcare, the Tennessee Department of Human Services website lists certified childcare businesses and private caregivers. Do you have a furbaby at home that needs feeding or walking? Along with several doggy daycares, Rover.com has many Nashville dog walkers and cat sitters.
Living in Nashville
When it comes time to settle in and find a place to live, you have a wide range of choices, each with a distinct character. If you want historical charm in a walkable area, look at Germantown. The name doesn’t sound very appetizing, but The Gulch neighborhood is known for upscale restaurants and an art museum. Sylvan Park is a perfect spot for families, with plenty of playgrounds and other outdoor spaces for kids to play.
If you aren’t familiar with a “meat and three,” you’ll soon learn if you spend time eating out in Nashville. Just like it sounds, this includes your choice of a protein, like beef or chicken, and three side dishes. You’ll have fun choosing which temperature of Nashville Hot Chicken you prefer.
Nashville International Airport is just southeast of downtown Nashville, so it’s a quick ride to the town center. You might need a heavy coat or flip-flops depending on the time of year you visit. You’ll find mild temperatures from May to late June and early August to October.
Nashville has a cost of living of 1.80% less than the national average. The average home price is around $493,000. Rentals are about $1,400 a month.
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