The Volunteer State's Top 10: Most Valuable Nurses Benefits

1. Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) Membership: Tennessee is a member of the NLC. This is a primary benefit, allowing RNs and LPNs who hold a multistate license to practice in any of the 40+ other compact states without needing to obtain an additional license.
2. No State Income Tax on Wages: A massive financial advantage: Tennessee has zero state income tax on earned wages. This effectively boosts the take-home pay of every nurse working in the state compared to their counterparts in taxable jurisdictions.
3. Graduate Nursing Loan Forgiveness Program: This high-value state program is designed to combat the nursing faculty shortage. It offers loan forgiveness to Tennessee residents who become teachers or administrators in a Tennessee nursing education program. The loan is forgiven over a four-year period of full-time employment.
4. Manageable Continuing Education (CE): The renewal requirements are exceptionally manageable. RNs and LPNs must complete only 5 contact hours of continuing education every two-year renewal period (if currently practicing). If not practicing, the requirement increases to 10 hours.
5. Exemption from Professional Privilege Tax: A notable financial perk: Unlike many other professionals in the state (such as lobbyists, agents, and osteopathic physicians) who must pay a $400 annual "Professional Privilege Tax," nurses are exempt from this specific tax burden.
6. Tennessee State Loan Repayment Program (TSLRP): This program provides financial aid to primary care practitioners, including Nurse Practitioners and Certified Nurse Midwives. It offers up to $50,000 for an initial two-year service obligation to those working in a designated Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA).
7. "Certificate of Fitness" (Prescriptive Authority): Tennessee uses unique terminology. APRNs must obtain a Certificate of Fitness to prescribe medication. To qualify, an APRN must have a master's degree, national certification, and 3 quarter hours of pharmacology. This certificate is the key to prescriptive privileges in the state.
8. Restricted Practice for APRNs: Tennessee is a restricted practice state. Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) must practice under a collaborative agreement with a physician. The physician must be available for consultation at all times and must visit the clinical site at least once every 30 days.
9. Mandatory Controlled Substance CE: To maintain a Certificate of Fitness, APRNs must complete 2 contact hours of continuing education specifically addressing controlled substance prescribing practices every renewal cycle. This must include instruction on the Tennessee Chronic Pain Guidelines.
10. Tennessee Nurses Association (TNA): The TNA is the state's premier professional organization. Membership is a joint membership with the American Nurses Association (ANA), providing strong legislative advocacy, professional networking, and discounts on ANCC certification.

It is critical to contact the Tennessee Board of Nursing for all official information on licensure, scope of practice, and continuing education. Professional associations like the TNA are the primary resource for advocacy, networking, and career development.

Tennessee Board of Nursing

(Tennessee Department of Health)

Address: 
665 Mainstream Drive, 2nd Floor 
Nashville, TN 37243

Phone: 1-615-532-5166

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