Federal judge Blocks Student Loan Rule Affecting Graduate Nursing Education
One issue that has been top of mind for many in nursing this spring is the U.S. Department of Education’s revised definition of “professional degree” programs, which would have removed graduate nursing and several other health professions from that designation. While this may have appeared to be a technical policy change, its implications were significant. The proposal would have reduced federal student loan eligibility for graduate nursing students, creating additional financial barriers for those pursuing advanced education at a time when we need more highly educated nurses, not fewer.
Nursing organizations across the country quickly mobilized, arguing that the change failed to recognize nursing as the highly skilled profession it is and would negatively impact the future nursing workforce. A coalition of nursing, therapy, and public health organizations challenged the rule in federal court.
Fortunately, there has been encouraging news. A federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction temporarily blocking the rule while the legal challenge moves forward. This means graduate nursing students will continue to have access to current federal student loan limits for now. The court’s decision recognized that the plaintiffs were likely to succeed on the merits of their case, making this an important step forward for nursing and other health professions.
I recently returned from the American Nurses Association Membership Assembly and Day on the Hill, where I had the opportunity to join nurse leaders from across the country in advocating on this very issue. It was especially meaningful that the federal court’s ruling came just one day after nurses met with lawmakers on Capitol Hill to emphasize the importance of protecting graduate nursing education. It was a powerful reminder that advocacy matters and that our collective voice can make a difference.
While this is an encouraging outcome, the case is not yet resolved. We will continue to monitor developments closely and keep you informed. Protecting access to graduate nursing education is essential to strengthening Tennessee’s nursing workforce and ensuring we can meet the healthcare needs of our communities for years to come.
July Nurse of the Month Honorees
Across Tennessee, nurses continue to make a profound impact in their communities. This month, we are proud to recognize the following Nurse of the Month honorees.
April Bledsoe – Nashville
April Bledsoe makes a difference every day, combining clinical expertise with genuine compassion, leaving a lasting impact on the patients she serves.
Watch April’s story here
*June NOM
Sheena Houston – Knoxville
Sheena Houston’s dedication to providing exceptional care and building relationships with patients and their families exemplifies the very best of the nursing profession.
Read Sheena’s story here
*June NOM
Linda Miller – Chattanooga
Linda Miller, a reproductive medicine nurse, provides expert care, education, and encouragement while supporting patients every step of the way.
Watch Linda’s story here
Millene Jones – Memphis
Millene Jones showcases the heart that defines the nursing profession, making a meaningful difference in the lives of her patients, their families, and her colleagues.
Watch Millene’s full segment here
Shonna Lane – Tri-Cities
Shonna Lane is proudly carrying on a family legacy of nursing, demonstrating the values of services and compassion that have inspired generations of caregivers.
Watch Shonna’s story here
Tennessee Center for Nursing Advancement Showcases Leadership at National Workforce Conference
The Tennessee Center for Nursing Advancement (TCNA) was proudly represented at the National Forum of State Nursing Workforce Centers Annual Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where the entire Center team joined nursing workforce leaders from across the country to exchange ideas, explore emerging trends, and identify innovative strategies to strengthen the nursing profession.
Throughout the conference, TCNA team members participated in educational sessions focused on workforce development, data, leadership, education, policy, and innovation. These sessions provided valuable opportunities to learn from national experts, collaborate with colleagues from other state nursing workforce centers, and bring back new ideas to support Tennessee’s nursing workforce.
In addition to attending conference sessions, TCNA faculty and staff showcased the Center’s work through oral and poster presentations highlighting several signature initiatives.
Oral Presentations
- Dr. Kathleen Kinser and Dr. Yan Cao presented Workplace Violence Against Nurses: Research-Driven Advocacy for Safer Work Environments, highlighting research findings and practical strategies to improve safety for nurses and healthcare professionals.
- Dr. Jennifer Hitt and Dr. Monaco Briggs presented Marketing the Mission: Building Sustainable Pipelines Through Strategic Engagement, demonstrating how digital marketing can strengthen workforce recruitment, increase public awareness, and support long-term nursing pipeline development.
- Dr. Belinda Fleming presented When Recognition Hurts: Hidden Risks to Nurse Well-Being and Career Advancement, exploring how recognition practices can influence nurse well-being and professional growth.
Poster Presentations
- Dr. Belinda Fleming presented How Different Types of Recognition Impact Work Well-Being in Nurses, emphasizing meaningful recognition as a strategy to improve engagement, well-being, and retention.
- Dr. Monaco Briggs, in collaboration with Dr. Dawna Cato of OpusVi, presented Implementing an Evidence-Based Adjunct Faculty Preparation Initiative to Support the Nursing Education Workforce, showcasing an innovative model for preparing clinical nurse faculty and addressing critical nursing education workforce needs.
TCNA’s participation reflects the Center’s ongoing commitment to advancing evidence-based practice, sharing innovative programs, and contributing to national conversations on nursing workforce development. The insights gained and partnerships strengthened during the conference will help shape future initiatives that support nurses, educators, healthcare organizations, and communities across Tennessee and the Appalachian Highlands while continuing to position Tennessee as a national leader in nursing workforce innovation.
Advance Your Leadership Journey with the Nurse Leader Fellowship
The Tennessee Center for Nursing Advancement is now accepting applications for the next Nurse Leader Fellowship, beginning September 7, 2026. Offered at no cost to participants, this 14-week, instructor-led online fellowship is designed to help new and emerging nurse leaders build the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to lead themselves, lead others, drive change, and strengthen healthcare organizations. Participants should expect to dedicate approximately 4–6 hours per week to coursework.
Eligible nurses who are interested in advancing their leadership skills are encouraged to apply. Applicants must meet the program’s employment and performance requirements and obtain supervisor approval before participating. Space is limited, and submission of a registration form does not guarantee acceptance, as final selections are based on eligibility, supervisor approval, and program capacity. Take advantage of this valuable professional development opportunity and invest in your future as a nursing leader.
Next class starts September 7
Request a Speaker or Meeting
Need a keynote speaker, strategic consultation, conference participation, or a meeting with Tennessee Center for Nursing Advancement leadership? We’ve made it easier than ever to connect with us.
Our new Request a Speaker or Meeting feature allows organizations to submit requests directly through our website. Simply complete the online form with your event or meeting details, and a member of our team will follow up with you.
Whether you’re planning a conference, educational event, leadership retreat, or would like to discuss collaboration opportunities, we’re here to help advance nursing across Tennessee.
Stay Informed with the Latest Tennessee Nursing Workforce Reports
The Tennessee Center for Nursing Advancement is committed to providing timely, data-informed resources that support nursing education, workforce planning, healthcare organizations, policymakers, and community partners across the state.
If you would like a printed copy of either of our current publications, we would be happy to send one to you:
- 2024–2025 Annual Report
- 2020–2024 Tennessee Nursing Workforce and Geographical Distribution Report
To request printed copies, please email nursingadvancement@etsu.edu and include your:
- Name
- Organization or company
- Mailing address
- Number of copies requested
Prefer a digital version? Electronic copies of our reports and publications are available anytime on the TCNA Reports & Publications webpage.
Coming Soon
We’re also excited to announce that our 2025–2026 Annual Report will be released by the end of July. The report highlights another year of progress in advancing Tennessee’s nursing workforce through innovative programs, statewide partnerships, workforce data, educational initiatives, and recognition of the nursing profession.
If you would like to receive a printed copy of the 2025–2026 Annual Report as soon as it becomes available, simply let us know in your email request. We’ll add you to our mailing list and send your copy once the report is released.
Thank you for your continued partnership as we work together to strengthen and support Tennessee’s nursing workforce.
Nurse Wellness Matters: Back-to-School, Back to Balance
The start of a new school year marks a season of fresh beginnings. Across Tennessee, children are heading back to classrooms, college students are beginning new semesters, and nursing programs are welcoming the next generation of future nurses. For many nurses, this time of year also brings changing routines, whether you’re helping your own children or grandchildren prepare for school, teaching nursing students, pursuing an advanced degree, or simply adjusting to a busier fall schedule.
As calendars quickly fill with school activities, work commitments, clinical rotations, homework, and family responsibilities, it’s easy to put your own well-being on hold. Nurses are accustomed to caring for others first, but maintaining your own health and resilience is essential to continuing the important work you do every day.
The beginning of a new season is the perfect opportunity to reset healthy habits. Rather than striving for perfection, focus on small routines you can realistically maintain. Planning healthy meals, prioritizing sleep, staying physically active, taking a few minutes to decompress between shifts, or protecting uninterrupted family time can all contribute to greater physical and emotional well-being.
If you’re returning to school or pursuing a certification, remember that lifelong learning is one of the greatest strengths of the nursing profession. Investing in your education is an investment in your patients, your colleagues, and your future. Just be sure to give yourself the same grace and encouragement that you so often extend to those around you.
Whether you’re celebrating a child’s first day of kindergarten, watching a grandchild board the school bus, welcoming students into your classroom, or beginning your own educational journey, embrace this season as a chance to build routines that support both your personal and professional well-being. A successful semester doesn’t just begin with a full calendar, it begins with a healthy, well-supported you.
Wellness Tip of the Month
Schedule Yourself First
As you fill your calendar with shifts, school events, appointments, and family activities, schedule time for yourself first, not what’s left over. Even 20 to 30 minutes each week dedicated to exercise, reading, a favorite hobby, or simply enjoying quiet time can help reduce stress, improve resilience, and make it easier to navigate the busy months ahead. Remember: caring for yourself isn’t a luxury, it’s an essential part of caring for others.
Tennessee’s Healthcare Heroes Coloring Book Continues to Inspire Young Learners
TCNA’s Tennessee’s Healthcare Heroes: A Coloring Adventure continues to make its way into communities across the state, helping children learn about healthcare careers through creativity, exploration, and fun.
Designed for elementary-aged students, the coloring book introduces young learners to nurses and other healthcare professionals who play important roles in caring for patients and improving community health. Through engaging illustrations and activities, children are encouraged to explore the many career opportunities available within healthcare while learning about teamwork, compassion, and service.
Available in both English and Spanish, the coloring book was developed to make healthcare career exploration accessible to a wide range of students and families. The resource was also reviewed by a Child Life Specialist to ensure the content is age-appropriate, engaging, and meaningful for young learners.
Since its release, copies have been distributed through hospitals, pediatric clinics, schools, community health centers, libraries, and community organizations throughout Tennessee. The coloring book has been used as a tool to spark conversations about healthcare careers, support career awareness activities, and encourage children to begin imagining their future possibilities.
As workforce organizations across the country seek innovative ways to build future healthcare pipelines, early exposure remains an important strategy. By helping children learn about healthcare professions at a young age, TCNA hopes to inspire future nurses and healthcare professionals who will one day serve communities across Tennessee.
Organizations interested in using the coloring book for educational programs, career exploration events, community outreach activities, or healthcare workforce initiatives may request copies by emailing nursingadvancement@etsu.edu.
Together, we can continue inspiring Tennessee’s future healthcare heroes, one page, one child, and one community at a time.
Submit an Event
Does your organization have an upcoming nursing-related event to share? TCNA welcomes submissions for conferences, workshops, webinars, community events, and other nursing-focused activities.
Tiffany Elliott, PhD, RN
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 P.M. EST.
11:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. CST.
Topic: From Student to Scholar: Simulation and AI in Nursing Education
All TCNA webinars are free to attend and open to nurses, nursing students, and healthcare professionals across Tennessee.
Sign up here
Date: August 27
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 P.M. EST.
11:00 – 12:00 P.M. CST.
Speaker: Thomas Cooper DNP, ACNP-BC, FNP-C, MBA, PLNC
Topic: Compassion Fatigue in Nursing – What it is and how do we cope
Webinar Description:
Compassion fatigue is a common occupational hazard in nursing that can affect emotional well-being, job satisfaction, and the quality of patient care. This webinar explores the differences between compassion fatigue, burnout, and vicarious trauma while examining the signs, symptoms, and risk factors nurses may encounter throughout their careers. Participants will learn practical, evidence-based strategies to recognize compassion fatigue early, strengthen resilience, and promote professional quality of life. The session also highlights the important role of healthcare organizations and leaders in creating supportive work environments that help nurses thrive while continuing to provide compassionate, high-quality care.
Audience: Nurses, student nurses, other Healthcare providers.
All TCNA webinars are free to attend and open to nurses, nursing students, and healthcare professionals across Tennessee.
Sign up here
Don’t Miss Voices from the Nursing Frontline Podcast Summer Season
Throughout the summer, we will be taking a short break from new episodes while re-airing some of our most popular and impactful conversations from previous seasons. It’s a great opportunity to catch up on episodes you may have missed or revisit listener favorites.
Thank you for continuing to support Voices from the Nursing Frontline. We look forward to returning with new episodes and fresh conversations in Season 6.
Listen to our podcast here
