Reflecting on Independence Day: Honoring Tennessee’s Nurses
As the fireworks fade and the festivities wind down, we at the Tennessee Center for Nursing Advancement want to take a moment to honor a different kind of hero, our nurses.
While communities across the state celebrated the Fourth of July with friends, family, and freedom, thousands of nurses quietly continued their work, offering comfort, delivering care, and standing strong on the front lines of our healthcare system. Their dedication doesn’t pause for holidays. It’s woven into every shift, every patient interaction, and every act of service.
Nurses across Tennessee embody the true spirit of independence and resilience. From the hospitals of Memphis to the mountains of the Tri-Cities, from the heart of Nashville to the vibrant communities of Chattanooga and Knoxville, nurses show up with compassion, courage, and an unwavering commitment to others.
In the wake of Independence Day, we celebrate not only our nation’s freedom, but the freedom to heal, to comfort, and to serve, made possible by the skilled hands and compassionate hearts of Tennessee nurses.
On behalf of the Tennessee Center for Nursing Advancement, thank you for all you do. We hope you had a moment to rest, to reflect, and to remember how vital you are, not just to your patients, but to the health and future of our entire state.
With gratitude, The Tennessee Center for Nursing Advancement
Celebrating Excellence: July’s Nurse of the Month- Jessica Wisecarver
The Tennessee Center for Nursing Advancement is thrilled to recognize Jessica Wisecarver as our July Nurse of the Month, a shining example of what it means to lead with heart, skill, and unwavering dedication to patient care.
This recognition is part of our Nurse of the Month program, a new initiative launched in May 2025 in partnership with Ballad Health, WJHL-TV, and ABC Tri-Cities. The program is designed to spotlight nurses who go above and beyond, offering compassion and clinical excellence to the communities they serve.
Jessica was selected for their extraordinary impact, professionalism, and advocacy for patients and fellow team members. Whether at the bedside, mentoring new nurses, or serving their community in meaningful ways, Jessica exemplifies the very best of the nursing profession. You can watch the special WJHL feature on Jessica here. You can also see the moment they received their plaque and surprise recognition here.
As the program gains momentum, we are excited to expand beyond the Tri-Cities region. Starting this summer, Nurse of the Month will also launch in Knoxville, Nashville, and Memphis, with plans underway in Chattanooga. Each honoree will be highlighted in a dedicated news segment and celebrated for their outstanding contributions.
To nominate a nurse making a difference, visit: Nomination Link. Congratulations, Jessica Wisecarver, and thank you for the care, leadership, and excellence you bring to Tennessee nursing!
Investing in Tennessee’s Nursing Workforce: Two Key Programs Launching July 14
The Tennessee Center for Nursing Advancement is proud to announce the launch of two vital initiatives beginning July 14, 2025, designed to address urgent workforce needs and build a stronger future for nursing in Tennessee: the Clinical Faculty Training Program and the Emerging Nurse Leader Fellowship. Both programs are completely free to participate in, and participants who successfully complete the program will receive a $250 stipend as a thank-you for their dedication and time.
Clinical Faculty Training Program:
As nursing programs across Tennessee continue to face challenges in securing qualified clinical faculty, this program offers a timely solution. Designed for experienced nurses interested in academic roles, the training provides:
- 10 CEUs -Four weeks of online instruction starting July 14
- Optional monthly check-ins for ongoing support over 11 months
- Foundational teaching strategies, clinical instruction best practices, and mentorship from experienced nurse educators
Whether you’re teaching at the bedside or in a simulation lab, this program equips you with the tools and confidence to succeed. A second cohort of the Clinical Faculty Training Program will begin on August 18, 2025.
Emerging Nurse Leader Fellowship
This 13-week, cohort-based fellowship is designed for early-career nurses ready to grow into leadership roles. The program focuses on:
- 24 CEUs -Systems thinking and professional development
- Health policy engagement and project-based learning
- Virtual sessions, mentorship, and a capstone experience
Participants will be equipped to lead in clinical, educational, and administrative settings across Tennessee. These initiatives reflect the Center’s continued commitment to strengthening Tennessee’s nursing pipeline, developing leadership at all levels, and supporting a more resilient, prepared nursing workforce.
Hear more about the programs in our recent appearance on Daytime Tri-Cities with Dr. Hitt and Dr. Briggs: Here. To learn more or express interest in future cohorts, click the link. Let’s build the future of nursing, together.
What’s Next for Voices from the Nursing Frontline
As summer rolls on, Voices from the Nursing Frontline is taking a moment to pause, reflect, and prepare for what’s ahead. While we gear up for an exciting relaunch, we’re re-airing some of the most powerful episodes from Season One. Whether you’re a longtime listener or just discovering the podcast, now’s a great time to catch up on the meaningful stories that continue to resonate across Tennessee’s nursing community.
New to the podcast? You’ll find heartfelt conversations, frontline experiences, and honest reflections that highlight the challenges, and triumphs, nurses face every day.
So, why the break? Behind the scenes, we’re refreshing the show and building toward a new season launching this August, complete with fresh content and a new permanent host: Dr. Lisa Beasley. A respected nurse leader, educator, and advocate, Dr. Beasley brings a strong voice and deep passion for telling the stories that matter.
Thank you for continuing to support Voices from the Nursing Frontline. We can’t wait to bring you new episodes, new perspectives, and new energy very soon. Catch up on past episodes here: Link. Stay tuned, and keep sharing these voices with your network!
Supporting NCLEX Success Across Tennessee: Hurst Review Events Coming to a City Near You
The Tennessee Center for Nursing Advancement is proud to lead a statewide initiative designed to support nursing graduates and professionals preparing to take or retake the NCLEX. In partnership with Hurst Review Services, the Center is offering 3-Day Comprehensive NCLEX Review Courses in key cities across Tennessee: Memphis, Chattanooga, Tri-Cities, Knoxville, and Nashville.
This initiative reflects the Center’s ongoing commitment to removing barriers to success, equipping nurses for licensure, and strengthening the state’s nursing workforce.
What’s Included:
- A 3-day in-person review led by expert Hurst instructors
- A comprehensive workbook for continued study
- Exclusive discounts on Hurst’s post-review program, Elevate
- A significantly reduced registration fee of just $50 (with a special access code provided by the Center)
2025 NCLEX Review Event Dates & Locations:
- Memphis – June (Hosted at Christian Brothers University)
- Tri-Cities – August 6–8
- Nashville – August 6–8
- Chattanooga – August 11–13
- Knoxville – August 13–15
Each session runs daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. “Whether you’re a recent graduate or someone returning to the exam after time away, we want to ensure you have the tools and confidence to succeed,” said Dr. Hitt, Executive Director of the Tennessee Center for Nursing Advancement. “With the ongoing nursing shortage, initiatives like this support not just individual nurses, but the strength of our entire healthcare system.” For more information, please refer to the event flyers or contact us at: nursingadvancement@etsu.edu 423-439-7186
Meet the Newest Member of the Team: Logan Mink
Logan Mink joins the Tennessee Center for Nursing Advancement with a strong background in marketing and a deep appreciation for the work of nurses. He holds a Master’s in Brand and Media Strategy from East Tennessee State University and a bachelor’s degree from Milligan University, where he triple-majored in Marketing, Management, and Graphic Design.
Before joining TCFNA, Logan spent over two years as a Digital Marketing Specialist in a traditional healthcare setting, working closely with doctors and nurses to connect with patients and share their stories. It was there that he developed a real admiration for nursing professionals, inspired by the daily dedication and life-changing impact they make. He’s excited to now be in a role where he can support nurses across the state and help elevate their voices. This year has been full of exciting changes for Logan, he married his wonderful wife, Katie, bought and renovated a house, and started this new adventure with TCFNA. Outside of work, you can find him spending time with Katie and their energetic Labradoodle, Sandy.
Vitals & Voices: Stories from Tennessee Nurses Continues Across the State
The Tennessee Center for Nursing Advancement is proud to lead Vitals & Voices: Stories from TN Nurses, a statewide storytelling initiative capturing the real experiences, wisdom, and impact of nurses across Tennessee. Formerly known as the Nurse Narratives Initiative, Vitals & Voices launched with a powerful pilot event at Chattanooga State Community College, where seven nurses and nursing students shared their deeply personal stories. Since then, the project has traveled to Christian Brothers University in Memphis and Tennessee State University in Nashville, where we were honored to record the journeys of more than 20 nurses reflecting on why they entered the profession, what keeps them going, and what advice they would offer to the next generation. Each 20-minute recorded interview becomes part of a growing archive that supports workforce development, deepens public understanding of the nursing profession, and helps elevate the voices of those who so often care in silence. These are stories of purpose, persistence, and passion—told by the people who live them every day.
Upcoming Vitals & Voices Events:
Tri-Cities – July 29
With events in Chattanooga, Memphis, Knoxville, and Nashville now complete, we’re looking forward to continuing the tour in the Tri-Cities later this month. Our goal is to gather diverse perspectives from every corner of the state, fostering connection, strengthening identity, and inspiring a new generation of nurse leaders. We’re incredibly grateful to every nurse and student who has stepped forward to share their story. If you haven’t had the chance to participate yet, we’ll also be hosting a Vitals & Voices recording session at the Tennessee Nurses Association Conference this October in Memphis. It’s another opportunity to make your voice heard and contribute to this important statewide narrative. Stay tuned for more highlights, and be sure to follow along as Vitals & Voices continues to grow.
