If you’re considering a career in nursing in the United States, Tennessee deserves a special spot on your list.
In this article, we take a look at the wonder of Tennessee, The Volunteer State. We also shed light on the reasons why you should consider pursuing your nursing career here.
The beautiful Tennessee can be found in the southeastern region of the United States of America. On June 1, 1796, it became the 16th state of the Union. Tennessee was nicknamed The Volunteer State for its volunteers’ critical role in the Tennessee militia during the War of 1812.
There is so much to see and experience in Tennessee. Here are some great factors you may want to consider if you’re considering moving to the state with your family.
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Tennessee is a landlocked state, bordered to the north by Virginia and Kentucky. North Carolina is to its east, while Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi are to its south. In the West, you can find Arkansas and Missouri.
Tourists love Tennessee, as you can find the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the east of the state. The park receives over 10 million visitors yearly. Meanwhile, Memphis holds Graceland, Elvis Presley’s estate and the second most-visited residence in the U.S.
Their economy is very diverse, with the primary industries being manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism.
About half of Tennessee is covered in forests; you’ll love its moderate climate and four seasons. The climate may vary depending on where you’ll move in the state, but overall, the weather is somewhere between mild to moderate. You’ll rarely experience harsh seasons in Tennessee.
The warmth of the summer is enjoyable, while fall can be bright with foliage. The winters have the right amount of chill. You are guaranteed comfort when you move here.
If you love music, then Tennessee can be your paradise. The Volunteer State is famous for its grand music scene, mainly due to the country music it became known for starting in the 1920s. It is home to Nashville, the Music City capital and its largest city.
Founded by George D. Hay on November 28, 1925, Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry became the longest-running radio broadcast in U.S. history.
Living in Tennessee can give you more affordable living costs, allowing you to reallocate your budget on other essential expenses or save more. According to real estate company Redfin, the median sales price for a house in Tennessee was $384,100 in July 2023. 27.5 percent of homes had price drops in the market. ¹
The best part of living in Tennessee is that there is no income tax. This means you can save more or choose to spend that amount on something leisurely. After all, you deserve good things with all your hard work in nursing.
There’s so much flavor in the dishes Tennessee has to offer, and you may want to try every one of them. You may even end up bursting after every meal.
On your visit or move to Tennessee, don’t miss the chance to savor Nashville’s famous Hot Chicken or the classic Meat and Threes. For a touch of luxury, explore Blackberry Farm. Nashville is also home to James Beard award-winning restaurants like Bastion, Drusie & Darr, Yolan, and Maiz de la Vida.
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Advantages of Nursing in Tennessee
If you’re considering becoming a registered nurse in Tennessee, here are some compelling reasons why this state could be your ideal destination for a nursing career.
Tennessee is part of the Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC), making it easier and faster for nurses from other compact states to secure jobs in Tennessee. Even if you’re an international nurse, making Tennessee your first U.S. state of employment, the eNLC can facilitate future transfers to other compact states for more significant career opportunities.
As of 2015, the number of compact states has increased to 25, and here are some of them:
The compact license is a valuable asset for healthcare facilities facing staffing shortages. It streamlines the hiring process, enabling facilities to swiftly onboard nurses from other compact states. Additionally, if you aspire to be a traveling nurse, the eNLC can pave the way for your exciting journey.
In addition to the state’s affordable living and absence of income tax, Tennessee offers competitive nurse salaries. As of May 2022, nurses in Tennessee enjoy an annual mean wage of $72,480, surpassing the wages in states like Arkansas, Alabama, and South Dakota.³
Thriving at top hospitals not only advances your career but also ensures excellent care for your family when needed. Tennessee boasts some of the nation’s finest hospitals, staffed by highly skilled healthcare professionals.
Here are some of the best hospitals in the state, according to U.S. News. These Best Hospitals specialty rankings were designed for patients who have experienced rare or life-threatening conditions. These hospitals were found to excel in treating high-risk and complex cases out of 136 hospitals evaluated.
International nurses seeking to enrich their educational background through American nursing schools have numerous options in Tennessee.
Here are some of the best Tennessee nursing schools, according to Nurse.org:
Enrolling in a U.S. nursing school during your nursing career in the country can broaden your expertise and expose you to diverse patient care approaches. You may acquire skills not covered in your home country’s nursing program.
Related Reading: Is Continuing Education Worthwhile for Global Nurses?
Tennessee eagerly welcomes nurses like you! Relocate with your family and relish the breathtaking landscapes, cost-effective living, and freedom from state income tax. This state offers an array of hospitals, each awaiting your expertise. Embrace the opportunity to move to Tennessee, where you’ll undoubtedly find it both professionally and personally rewarding.
If you wish to become a Tennessee nurse or have other states in mind, PRS Global can help you achieve that dream.
Our team of experts can bring you to the best American facilities. Money won’t be a problem as we will cover the expenses of your requirements and legal filings to ensure you arrive soon and well. Contact us today, and let’s start working on your new opportunity in the U.S.
References
1 “Tennessee Housing Market.” Redfin, www.redfin.com/state/Tennessee/housing-market. Accessed 15 Sept. 2023.
2 Gaines, Kathleen. “Compact Nursing States List 2023.” Nurse.Org, 25 Jul. 2023, nurse.org/articles/enhanced-compact-multi-state-license-eNLC/.
3 “Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2022.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291141.htm. Accessed 15 Sept. 2023.
4 “Best Hospitals in Tennessee.” U.S.News, health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area/tn. Accessed 15 Sept. 2023.
5 “Top 10 Best Nursing Schools in Tennessee.” Nurse.Org, 26 Sept. 2022, nurse.org/education/top-10-best-nursing-schools-in-tennessee/.