History and Background of TCNA
Dedicated to strengthening and supporting the nursing workforce across the state.
Strengthening Tennessee’s Nursing Workforce for a Healthier Future
The Tennessee Center for Nursing Advancement (TCNA) was established to address the critical nursing workforce shortage in Tennessee and the Appalachian Highlands region. The organization emerged from efforts to strengthen nursing education, workforce development, and policy advocacy, ensuring that Tennessee has a resilient and well-supported nursing workforce to meet growing healthcare demands.
Founding & Early Development
The Tennessee Center for Nursing Advancement has a legacy of growth, collaboration, and commitment to strengthening the nursing workforce across the state. Below is a timeline highlighting key milestones in our development:
2022
The Tennessee Legislature established the TCNA, merging it with the Appalachian Highlands Center for Nursing Advancement (AHCNA). This consolidation ensured a statewide, data-driven approach to nursing workforce planning.
A Visioning Session was held with academic and healthcare leaders from Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, setting the foundation for the center’s mission.
The first Advisory Board Meetings took place, bringing together nursing executives, educators, and policymakers to guide workforce development strategies.
2023
Listening sessions, leadership programs, and research collaborations were launched to understand key workforce challenges and develop targeted solutions.
The Center rebranded as the Tennessee Center for Nursing Advancement (TCNA), continuing to serve both the Appalachian Highlands and the entire state of Tennessee.
2024
The Appalachian Highlands Center for Nursing Advancement and the Tennessee Center for Nursing Advancement officially merged to form one unified entity, streamlining efforts to enhance nursing education, leadership, and workforce sustainability.
The Center received official approval to operate under the name Tennessee Center for Nursing Advancement, solidifying its mission and statewide focus. The first advisory board meeting was held, bringing together members from both centers to establish goals and shape the future of nursing in Tennessee.
What We Do
✔ Expand Nursing Opportunities
We support the education and training of CNAs, LPNs, and RNs, ensuring a robust pipeline of future nurses.
✔ Build Collaborative Partnerships
We collaborate with colleges, universities, and healthcare providers to enhance nursing education and clinical practice.
✔ Advance Clinical Practice
We drive innovation in nursing workflows, research, and scholarship to improve patient care and workforce efficiency.
✔ Showcase Data
Our nursing workforce dashboard provides key insights into trends, workforce projections, and critical issues affecting nurses statewide.
✔ Develop a Statewide Nursing Plan
We create strategic workforce plans based on data-driven analysis of Tennessee’s nursing needs.
✔ Maintain a Nursing Workforce Database
We track nursing workforce trends to inform policy decisions and guide future initiatives.
✔ Facilitate Stakeholder Engagement
We bring together nursing professionals, healthcare organizations, and industry leaders to shape the future of the profession.
✔ Recognize Nursing Achievements
We celebrate nursing excellence by promoting the accomplishments of nurses across Tennessee.
✔ Increase Educational Opportunities
We advocate for expanded nursing education programs to meet growing healthcare demands.
