Celebrating Nurses Week: Honoring the Heart of Healthcare
Each year, Nurses Week offers a meaningful opportunity to pause and recognize the dedication, compassion, and expertise of nurses who serve our communities day in and day out. At the Tennessee Center for Nursing Advancement, we see firsthand the impact nurses have, not only on individual patients but on the broader healthcare system, workforce development, and public health.
This year, Nurses Week feels especially significant as we continue to grow partnerships, expand our programming, and elevate the voices of nurses across Tennessee. From hospitals and schools to public health departments and rural clinics, nurses remain at the forefront, leading with resilience, advocacy, and innovation.
We’ve been privileged to engage with nurses in many ways throughout the year: through research initiatives, leadership development, student engagement, and storytelling via our podcast and communications efforts. These stories remind us that while challenges remain, the future of nursing in Tennessee is bright, and the passion within the profession is as strong as ever.
As we celebrate Nurses Week, we extend our deepest appreciation to the nurses we serve and support. And to you, our Advisory Board, we thank you for continuing to champion our mission and helping us create meaningful change for nurses throughout the state.
Let’s continue to lift up, listen to, and invest in those who care for us all.
Launching Nurse of the Month: Honoring Extraordinary Nurses Across Tennessee
The Tennessee Center for Nursing Advancement is proud to announce the launch of our Nurse of the Month program, a new initiative designed to spotlight and celebrate the exceptional work of nurses across the state.
Beginning May in the Tri-Cities region, the public will be invited to nominate nurses who go above and beyond in their commitment to care, compassion, and community. Each month, one outstanding nurse will be selected and featured in a special news segment aired on Channel 11 and ABC Tri-Cities, with stories debuting the first Monday of every month.
The Nurse of the Month program reflects the Center’s deep commitment to supporting nurse well-being and raising public awareness of the critical role nurses play in Tennessee’s healthcare landscape. By sharing these powerful stories, we hope to not only honor individual achievements but also inspire recognition and appreciation for the entire nursing profession.
This initiative will begin as a pilot in the Tri-Cities, with plans to expand statewide as the program evolves. Through this effort, the Center is proud to give back to the nursing community in a way that uplifts, celebrates, and connects.
Know a nurse who deserves to be celebrated?
Submit your nomination now on WJHL’s website –
Stay tuned for our first Nurse of the Month feature, and help us spread the word by encouraging nominations of the extraordinary nurses in your community.
Introducing Two New Programs to Strengthen Tennessee’s Nursing Workforce
The Tennessee Center for Nursing Advancement is excited to announce the launch of two new initiatives aimed at addressing critical needs within our state’s nursing pipeline: the Clinical Faculty Training Program and the Emerging Nurse Leader Fellowship.
These programs reflect the Center’s ongoing commitment to supporting the growth, sustainability, and leadership
of Tennessee’s nursing workforce, from the classroom to the bedside and beyond.
Clinical Faculty Training Program
As nursing programs across Tennessee continue to face challenges in securing enough qualified clinical faculty, the
Clinical Faculty Training Program aims to provide timely, practical preparation for experienced nurses transitioning
into academic roles.
This program equips participants with the foundational knowledge, teaching strategies, and mentorship support
needed to confidently and effectively guide nursing students in clinical settings. By expanding the pool of prepared
clinical instructors, we aim to strengthen nursing education capacity across the state.
Emerging Nurse Leader Fellowship
Designed for early-career nurses with leadership potential, the Emerging Nurse Leader Fellowship offers a 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 future decision-makers and change makers within the profession. This fellowship addresses the growing need for nurse leaders who reflect the diversity, energy, and insight of the next generation, and who are equipped to lead in both clinical and non-clinical environments.
Podcast Spotlight: Voices From the Nursing Frontline
Our podcast continues to grow! Here’s a look at our latest stats:
All-Time Listeners: 5,239
Monthly Growth: +19.1% from last month
Top 3 Most-Listened Episodes This Month
- Nursing Connections: Unlocking the Path to Success with Dr. Ferrol Thomas, Ashley White, and Emiko Rodriguez-Sanchez.
- Healthcare As A Culture: The Impact, Culture, and Community That We Serve with guests Elizabeth York and Max Tunstill.
- Insight, Empathy, and Developing Nurses with Nikki Staples & Ferrol Thomas
To listen to the Voices From the Nursing Frontline:
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: 124.9k (neutral from last month) I: 51.2 (13% decrease) L: 5500 (125% increase)
Views: F: 628.3 (22% decrease from last month) I: 100k (29% decrease) L: 1557k (114% increase)
Page Visits: F: 340 (29% decrease from last month) I: 49 (33% decrease) L: not available
New Followers: F: 11 (10% increase) I: not available L: 68% 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
Welcome Carl Deertz, the Center’s New Office Coordinator
The Tennessee Center for Nursing Advancement is thrilled to welcome Carl Deertz to our team as our new Office Coordinator!
Carl brings a rich and diverse background in social work administration and community development, with a Master’s degree in the field. His career has centered around supporting vulnerable populations, including individuals experiencing mental health challenges, foster youth, and older adults, with a strong focus on equity, access, and outcomes.
Carl’s professional toolkit includes advanced skills in WordPress, Microsoft Office Suite, and the Qualtrics survey platform, along with a solid foundation in survey development, data analysis, and report writing. He has managed contract compliance and maintained
program budgets, ensuring timely and accurate reporting to funders.
Having worked in three Mental Health Services Act Innovations Funded programs, Carl has played a pivotal role in program design, especially those serving culturally diverse communities. His commitment to collaboration, strong interpersonal skills, and natural ability to prioritize and organize make him a perfect fit for our growing team.
Please join us in giving Carl a warm welcome as he supports our mission to advance nursing in Tennessee.
We’re excited for what lies ahead!
Spotlighting Stories: Nurse Narratives Initiative Launches in Chattanooga
The Tennessee Center for Nursing Advancement is proud to kick off the Nurse Narratives Initiative — a powerful
storytelling project that shines a light on the voices and experiences of nurses across our state.
The inaugural filming event will take place on May 16, 2025, at Chattanooga State Community College, where nurses
from all backgrounds — including RNs, LPNs, and APRNs — will share why they chose nursing, what motivates them
to stay, and the advice they would offer to the next generation
of caregivers.
These 30-minute recorded interviews will serve as a source of inspiration and insight, supporting both social media storytelling and workforce development efforts. Through the Nurse Narratives, we aim to elevate real stories from the field, stories of compassion, resilience, and impact.
Following Chattanooga, the initiative will expand to additional regions with future filming locations planned in the Tri-Cities, Knoxville, Nashville, and Memphis. By capturing diverse voices from across Tennessee, the Center hopes to foster connection, celebrate nursing excellence, and encourage future leaders in the profession.
We’re excited to see how this project continues to grow, and we thank every nurse who lends their voice to this meaningful work.
