Training to Become an RN in Tennessee
The field of nursing is exciting and challenging. Qualified registered nurses (RN) will find the choice of opportunities great as nursing opportunities expand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing will continue to thrive and grow at a rate of 22% through the year 2020. The growth in this segment of healthcare is due to the aging population exceeding greater years than ever before and the advancement of medical and pharmaceutical technology bringing more healthcare options, including longer home care.
RNs must earn at least an Associate’s degree before taking the National Council for Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). The nursing program must meet the approval of the Tennessee Board of Nursing (TBON) and include class work and clinical training. An Associate’s degree takes about two years to complete. Some RNs will take advantage of the brief study time and earn an Associate’s degree, pass the NCLEX-RN and work as an RN while continuing to earn higher degrees.
The NCLEX-RN is administered by Pearson VUE Testing Services. Applicants to test must first apply to the TBON and then register with Pearson VUE. The application to test includes a criminal background check and fingerprint card, a 2”x2” passport type of photograph taken within six months of application, documentation of the completion of an approved nursing program and degree conferred and the appropriate fee. There is a separate fee due to Pearson VUE to take the exam. The Board will review the application and determine its completeness. The applicant will receive an authorization to test (ATT) when the application is approved be able to schedule an exam date with Pearson VUE. Tennessee is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact and applicants must be a legal residence of the state to take the exam.
Exam results are reported as pass or fail and when the applicant passes the exam an RN license is issued and if the applicant fails, an application to take the test again is sent to the applicant with instructions to apply for retesting. Applicants must wait 45 days before taking the exam again and applicants who fail the exam twice will be subject to additional education and training. Pearson VUE will notify the TBON of all applicant results and the Board will notify applicants of the result. Tennessee no longer issues license hard copies. The TBON website maintains a list of all licensed nurses in the state and the status of each license. Perspective employers may access the website to verify an RN license.
Tennessee RNs are required to renew their license every two years. RNs must provide proof of continuing competency within the two years prior to renewal and full or part time nursing practice. There are 15 ways to prove competency and RNs should refer to the Tennessee Board of Nursing website for more information.
RN salaries depend on several variables and include geographic location, type of facility where employed, years of experience, level of education achieved and area of nursing specialty. Advance nursing practitioners will command a higher salary than an RN and RNs in position of authority and responsibility will also command a higher salary. The average RN salary is $59,000 annually. The average entry level RN salary is $41,000 and advanced nursing and administrative salaries will average between $85,000 and $110,000.
The working shift of an RN will vary depending on the facility where employed. Typical RN duties include monitoring patient care, performing emergency procedures, dressing wounds and changing dressings, dispensing medication according to plan including injections and monitoring the reaction and effects of the medication, monitoring vital signs, preparing treatment and care plans and preparing patients for home or transfer to another healthcare facility.
RNs will find employment in a variety of areas and facilities. In addition to hospitals, nursing homes and assisted care facilities, RNs are employed at rehabilitative care facilities, occupational health centers, seasonal and recreational venues, educational and government facilities, hospice care and visiting nurse organizations, temporary nurse staffing agencies and RN help lines.
Schools With RN Programs in Tennessee
- Gain Knowledge and Skills While You Earn Your Nursing Degree at Fortis!
Programs:
- PN RN Associate Degree Bridge Program
- Associate Degree in Nursing
- Practical Nursing
- Kaplan University Online Degree Programs
- Attend college on your terms. Kaplan University offers fully online degree programs that fit any schedule.
Programs:
- MS in Nursing
- Master of Science - DNP Path (Doctor of Nursing Practice)
- Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner, Primary Care
- And more...
- • Liberty University’s online programs ranked in the top 10 out of more than 2,100 colleges & universities for academic quality, affordability, and accessibility.*
- 100% online programs at associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral level.**
- Transfer up to 90 credits into an undergraduate degree program.
- Up to 50% of your master’s degree can be transferred in to help you get the most out of your hard work and maximize the credit you previously earned.
- *BestColleges.com Gold Medal of Distinction
- **excludes licensure, certification, and some doctoral programs
Programs:
- Master of Science in Nursing: Nursing Administration
- Master of Science in Nursing: Nurse Educator
At South College we welcome students from all different stages of life and career. Whether you are pursing a degree for the first time, going back to school as an adult learner, or furthering your career with an advanced degree, our faculty and staff will partner with you to give your dreams direction.
Programs:
- BS Nursing
Earn your graduate degree online with Northcentral University. We offer online programs focused on doctoral and master’s degrees in the schools of business and technology management, education, psychology and marriage and family sciences.
Earn your graduate degree online with Northcentral University. We offer online programs focused on doctoral and master’s degrees in the schools of business and technology management, education, psychology and marriage and family sciences.
The field of technology is rapidly evolving to meet the growing demands of modern society. For those seeking a future in tech, this means maintaining skills, increasingknowledge and quickly adapting to change. For today’s students, however, successwill require dedication, commitment and access to education specifically designedto meet the demands of this dynamic industry.
Programs:
- Doctor of Education - Nursing Education
The University
With over 80 years of academic achievements, Jacksonville University is a traditional, longstanding institution consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of America's best colleges.
Programs:
- MSN Clinical Nurse Educator
At Denver College of Nursing, we believe good nurses are the future of quality healthcare. That’s why we strive to achieve excellence in healthcare education every day. We know our students can make a difference in others’ lives while in school by participating in SNA, community service, service –learning and GHP, as well as after graduation—and for years to come.
Programs:
- Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Want to be a Teacher or Educational Administrator? Learn why GCU could be the best place to start! Here's why:
- Options: Choose from a variety of undergraduate and graduate education programs, including TESOL, early childhood ed, elementary ed, secondary ed & more.
- Convenience: Complete courses online, on campus, or a combination of both. We also offer evening classes!
- Earlier Graduation: Our 4-credit courses allow you to complete your degree program in less time.
- Transfer Friendly: We will request your transcripts, evaluate your graduate coursework, and determine your anticipated graduation date within 24 hours.
- Financial Options: Numerous financing options available, including scholarships for academic achievement.
Programs:
- B.S. in Educational Studies (Does Not Lead to Teacher Licensure)
We Change Lives...One Person At A Time. ® Start your career education with Daymar College. We offer certificate, diploma, associate, and bachelor degree programs for careers in the business, health care, criminal justice, paralegal studies and computer technology fields.
Programs:
- Medical Assisting, Associate of Science
- Medical Assisting, Diploma
National Louis University is one of the oldest and most progressive universities in Chicago. We offer more than 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs through two colleges: the National College of Education and the College of Professional Studies and Advancement.
Programs:
- Master's in Health Services Administration
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