Recognizing the impact of nurses across Tennessee who deliver care, improve outcomes, and strengthen communities.
National Nurses Week 2026, celebrated May 6–12, honors more than 5 million nurses across the United States whose expertise and dedication power healthcare every day. As the American Nurses Association marks its 130th anniversary, this year’s theme, “The Power of Nurses™,” highlights the essential role nurses play in improving patient outcomes and strengthening communities.
In Tennessee, that impact is felt statewide through a large and growing nursing workforce serving patients across all care settings
What Do Nurses Do?
Nurses are the backbone of healthcare, providing direct patient care, coordinating treatment, educating patients, and leading quality and safety efforts across all settings.
In Tennessee, nurses serve patients in hospitals, clinics, long-term care, and community settings across all 95 counties.
Nursing in Tennessee: By the Numbers
165,429+
Total Nursing Workforce
117,980+
Licensed Registered Nurses
29,189+
Licensed Practical Nurses
18, 260+
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses
Why Nurses Matter in Tennessee
- Deliver frontline care across all healthcare settings
- Improve patient outcomes through monitoring, education, and coordination
- Expand access to care, especially in rural and underserved areas
- Lead quality, safety, and population health initiatives
Workforce Trends
Meeting Growing Demand Across Tennessee:
- 8,500 RN workforce gap projected by 2035
- Strong LPN workforce supports team-based care delivery
- Tennessee ranks #6 nationally in nurse practitioner employment
- Nurse practitioner roles projected to grow 35% through 2034
A Growing Workforce Meeting Rising Healthcare Needs
- Tennessee’s nursing workforce is expanding to meet increasing demand across the state
- Growth is driven by:
- An aging population
- Increasing chronic health needs
- Expanded access to care
- 67,720 RNs projected by 2032
- 13% RN workforce growth expected
- Thousands of annual openings create strong career opportunities
- Rural communities offer high-impact opportunities to expand access and improve outcomes
Key Dates
• May 6: National Nurses Day
• May 8: National Student Nurses Day
• May 6–12: National Nurses Week
