Statewide Hurst Reviews: Preparing Tennessee’s Nurses for Success
The Tennessee Center for Nursing Advancement is proud to announce a statewide initiative aimed at supporting nursing graduates and professionals preparing to take or retake the NCLEX. In collaboration with Hurst Review Services, the Center is offering a series of 3-Day Comprehensive NCLEX Review Courses in key cities across the state: Chattanooga, Tri-Cities, Knoxville, Nashville, and Memphis.
This initiative reflects the Center’s continued commitment to strengthening the nursing workforce by removing barriers to success and ensuring that nurses are well prepared to begin or continue their professional journey.
Each three-day session includes:
- A comprehensive in-person review led by expert Hurst instructors
- A review workbook for participants to take home
- Access to exclusive discounts for Hurst’s post-review program Elevate
The first stop on this statewide tour is Memphis, hosted at Christian Brothers University.. Sessions will run daily from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and are available at a significantly reduced rate, just $50, with a special access code provided by the Center.
“Whether you’re a recent graduate or someone returning to the exam after a gap, we want to ensure you have the tools and confidence to succeed,” said Dr. Hitt, Executive Director of the Center. With nursing shortages still a pressing concern, initiatives like this not only empower individual nurses but help strengthen
Tennessee’s entire healthcare system.
Registration for each location will be shared as details are finalized. For questions or to learn more, contact us at nursingadvancement@etsu.edu or call 423-439-7186
Celebrating Excellence: Meet Our First Nurse of the Month
The Tennessee Center for Nursing Advancement is excited to launch our Nurse of the Month program, an initiative dedicated to honoring the extraordinary nurses who make a difference in our communities across the state.
We’re proud to announce the first Nurse of the Month for June, Alexis Lunsford, spotlighting the incredible work of nurses in the Tri-Cities region. Each month, the public will be invited to nominate a nurse who demonstrates exceptional care, compassion, and commitment to their patients and community. Starting this May, the selected nurse will be featured in a special news segment on Channel 11 and ABC Tri-Cities, with stories airing on
the first Monday of every month. To view Alexis’ story, Click Here.
The Nurse of the Month program is an important part of the Center’s mission to promote nurse well-being, raise awareness about the vital role nurses play in healthcare, and celebrate their contributions to improving the health of Tennesseans. By sharing these powerful stories, we aim to not only honor the achievements of individuals but also inspire greater recognition and appreciation for the entire nursing profession.
This initiative will begin as a pilot in the Tri-Cities, with plans to expand across the state as the program grows. The Nurse of the Month program is one way we can give back to the nursing community, celebrating the dedication, expertise, and impact that nurses have in every corner of Tennessee.
Do you know an outstanding nurse who deserves to be recognized?
Submit your nomination today on WJHL’s website, Nominate a Nurse Here.
Stay tuned for our first Nurse of the Month feature, and help us spread the word by encouraging
nominations of the exceptional nurses in your community.
Exciting Opportunity: Free Clinical Faculty Training and Emerging Nurse Leader Fellowship with Stipends
The Tennessee Center for Nursing Advancement is thrilled to announce the launch of two important initiatives designed to address critical needs within Tennessee’s nursing workforce: the Clinical Faculty Training Program and the Emerging Nurse Leader Fellowship.
These programs are completely free to participate in, and upon successful completion, participants will receive a $250 stipend as a thank you for their hard work and dedication. This is part of the Center’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the nursing pipeline and developing future leaders within our state’s healthcare system.
Clinical Faculty Training Program
As nursing programs across Tennessee continue to face challenges in securing qualified clinical faculty, the Clinical Faculty Training Program offers a free, comprehensive training to prepare experienced nurses for academic roles. This program equips participants with essential teaching strategies, mentorship support, and the foundational knowledge needed to confidently teach and guide nursing students in clinical settings.
By expanding the pool of well-prepared clinical faculty, we aim to strengthen nursing education throughout the state, and with the added bonus of a $250 stipend upon successful completion, it’s a win-win for both participants and the nursing community.
Emerging Nurse Leader Fellowship
For early-career nurses with leadership potential, the Emerging Nurse Leader Fellowship offers a free, year-long, cohort-based experience focused on professional
development, systems thinking, and health policy. Fellows will engage in interactive workshops, mentorship, and capstone projects designed to empower them as
the next generation of nurse leaders.
This fellowship is specifically designed to cultivate nurse leaders who are prepared to lead in both clinical and non-clinical settings. With the added benefit of a
$250 stipend upon successful completion, this program provides a unique opportunity to develop the leadership skills needed to drive change within the
profession
Voices from the Nursing Frontline: Summer Replay Series + Exciting News Ahead
As Voices from the Nursing Frontline continues to grow in reach and impact, we’re taking a moment this summer to reflect, recharge, and relaunch.
We’re thrilled to announce that while we take a short summer break, we’ll be re-airing select episodes from Season One. These powerful stories and insights remain as relevant and inspiring as ever, and now is the perfect time to revisit them or catch up if you’re new to the series.
Why the pause? We’re using the summer months to revamp the podcast behind the scenes and gear up for an exciting new chapter. Starting in August, we’ll return with fresh episodes and a new permanent host: Dr. Lisa Beasley. A dedicated nurse leader, educator, and advocate, Dr. Beasley brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for elevating the voices of nurses
across Tennessee and beyond.
Thank you for your continued support of Voices from the Nursing Frontline. Stay tuned, stay inspired—and don’t forget to share your favorite
episodes with friends and colleagues this summer.
To listen to the Voices From the Nursing Frontline: Click Here
Social Media Impact: Monthly Snapshot
Each month, we will be highlighting our social media impact. Through intentional strategies, we are amplifying voices, sharing valuable resources, and keeping our audience informed about key developments in nursing.
This month, we are seeing a huge increase in performance, due to our new streaming audio and
display ads. You can view the new ad here.
By the Numbers: This Month’s Facebook Social Media Performance
Reach: F: 88k (31% decrease from last month) I: 29k (44% decrease) L: 2k (24% increase)
Views: F: 583k (11% decrease from last month) I: 70k (32% decrease) L: 8kk (47% increase)
Page Visits: F: 462 (29% increase from last month) I: 61 (19% increase) L: not available
New Followers: F: 17 (51% increase) I: not available L: 20% increase
Each interaction, whether a like, comment, or share, strengthens our community and amplifies
the impact of nursing across Tennessee. Thank you for being part of this journey!
Let’s Keep the Momentum Going!
If you haven’t already, follow us on to stay updated on the latest nursing news, events, and
resources. Have ideas for content? Let us know, we love hearing from you!
Stay connected. Stay informed. Stay inspired.
F= Facebook; I= Instagram; L= LinkedIn
The Tennessee Center for Nursing Advancement’s New Website: Live 6/12/25
We’re excited to announce the launch of our brand new website, a fresh digital home for the Tennessee
Center for Nursing Advancement.
Developed in collaboration with RJP Systems, the new site reflects our mission and the growing impact of our
work across the state. While it’s still a work in progress, the redesigned platform is more than just a facelift,
it’s a purposeful step forward in how we share resources, highlight programs, and celebrate the voices of
Tennessee nurses.
One feature we’re especially proud of is that the site will showcase real images of Tennessee nurses, not stock
photos, because our story is best told by those living it every day. From nurse leaders and educators to
frontline caregivers, you’ll see the faces and hear the stories of the people driving nursing forward in our
communities.
The site is organized around the Center’s core focus areas, making it easier than ever to explore our initiatives,
find data and research, and stay connected with upcoming events and opportunities.
We invite you to visit us at TCFNA.ORG and explore the new site. As we continue to refine and expand its
content, we welcome your feedback because this space is built for you, our nursing community.
Introducing Vitals & Voices: Stories from TN Nurses
The Tennessee Center for Nursing Advancement is proud to launch Vitals & Voices: Stories from TN Nurses, a
statewide storytelling initiative that highlights the voices, experiences, and impact of nurses throughout Tennessee.
Formerly known as the Nurse Narratives Initiative, this project kicked off with a pilot event at Chattanooga State
Community College, where seven nurses and nursing students shared their personal stories. This past week, the team traveled to Tennessee State University in Nashville, where we were thrilled to have 16
participants join us in sharing their journeys into nursing, what inspires them to continue, and the wisdom they would offer to those entering the profession.
Each 30-minute recorded interview becomes a lasting piece of storytelling that supports workforce development, social media engagement, and a deeper appreciation for the realities of nursing today. These are stories of resilience, purpose, and care, told by the people living them.
Looking ahead, Vitals & Voices will travel across the state with future filming locations planned in the Tri-Cities, Knoxville, and Memphis. By gathering voices from all corners of Tennessee, we aim to foster connection,
elevate the profession, and inspire the next generation of nurse leaders.
We’re excited to see how Vitals & Voices continues to grow and are
deeply grateful to every nurse and student who shares their story with us.
