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Tennessee Board of Nursing
Processing time
6–8 weeks
Temporary licenses are typically issued within 1–3 weeks
Fees
License: $115
Renewal: $100
Temporary license: $25
Compact state
Yes
Application links
Tennessee license
Biennially, every two years on the last day of the month of a license holder’s birth month
Yes
Valid for six months or until permanent license is issued or denied
Applicants may choose to complete any two items listed in the Tennessee state Rules and Regulations Standards of Nursing Competence section to satisfy renewal requirements
Please note that while Fusion Medical Staffing strives to provide the most current and accurate information in our Nursing Licensing Guide, we cannot guarantee the completeness or timeliness of the information provided. Regulations, requirements, and processes can change frequently. Healthcare travelers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult directly with the respective state board's official website to ensure they have the most accurate and up-to-date information. Fusion Medical Staffing is not liable for any outdated information or errors in the guide.
Processing Time
6-8 weeks
From complete application
Application Fee
$10
Renewal: $100 · Temp license available
Compact (Nurse Licensure Compact)
Yes
Nurse Licensure Compact member state
Renewal
0 hours
Every 2 years
Tennessee is an NLC compact member allowing multistate licensure; however, compact privilege requires maintaining primary residence in your compact license state. Establishing Tennessee residency requires full endorsement application and $10 fee within 60 days; temporary license provides fast-track option for tight timelines.
For travelers, this means you can begin a Tennessee assignment immediately if your home state is also a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member and your license is set to multistate status. However, if you establish Tennessee residency during your assignment, your compact privilege becomes invalid and you must apply for a Tennessee license through endorsement.
Tennessee uses a mail/pdf application endorsement process for registered nurses already licensed in another state. You'll need to submit your completed application along with supporting documents and the $10 application fee.
License verification is handled through Nursys or direct board verification. Tennessee requires verification from every state where you hold or have held a registered nurse license, so request verification early to avoid delays.
Background check requirements vary by applicant — confirm the current fingerprinting and screening steps with the Tennessee Board of Nursing. Where fingerprinting applies, submit your authorization as early as possible, since background check processing is one of the most common sources of delay.
After all components are received, the Board reviews applications on a rolling basis. Check the Tennessee Board of Nursing website for status updates on your application.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Endorsement Application | $10 |
| Renewal | $100 (every 2 years) |
| Fingerprinting | $25-75 (fingerprinting) |
| Nursys verification | $30 |
| Estimated First-Time Cost | $65–$115 |
Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting. Many staffing agencies, including Fusion Medical Staffing, offer licensure reimbursement programs to help offset these expenses.
Tennessee issues temporary nursing licenses valid for 6 months, allowing registered nurses to begin practicing while their permanent endorsement application is being processed. For travelers, this is often the fastest path to starting an assignment.
Eligibility requirements:
Issuance timeline:
Denial risks:
Important for travelers: Temporary license expires automatically at 6 months with no renewal option; if permanent license is not issued by that date, applicant must cease work immediately. Obtaining Tennessee residency while holding compact privilege automatically triggers license conversion requirement; failure to apply for Tennessee multistate license within 60 days risks loss of compact privilege and temporary license.
Tennessee registered nurse endorsement applications typically take 6-8 weeks to process. The timeline is subject to moderate variability depending on the completeness of your application and external factors.
In the best-case scenario, processing can be as fast as 5 weeks (if all verifications received immediately and board meeting aligns favorably).
Common sources of delay:
Tennessee does not offer an expedited processing track. The best way to minimize your wait time is to ensure all application components — fingerprints, verification, and any required exams — are completed before or immediately after submitting your application.
Tennessee does not require continuing education hours for registered nurse license renewal.
Please note that while Fusion Medical Staffing strives to provide the most current and accurate information, we cannot guarantee the completeness or timeliness of the information provided. Requirements and processes can change frequently. Healthcare professionals are strongly encouraged to verify details directly with Tennessee Board of Nursing's official website.
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