Nursing is not just a career — it is a calling that demands continuous learning, professional support, and a strong collective voice. For registered nurses in Tennessee, the Tennessee Nurses Association (TNA) offers exactly that. As the state’s premier professional nursing organization and the official constituent member of the American Nurses Association (ANA), TNA has been advocating for nurses and the communities they serve since its founding in 1905. Today, with approximately 83,000 registered nurses practicing across the state, TNA remains the most comprehensive professional organization available to Tennessee’s RNs.
If you have been wondering whether a TNA membership is worth the investment, this article breaks down the full scope of benefits — from career development tools and continuing education discounts to advocacy resources and personal financial perks.
About the Tennessee Nurses Association
The Tennessee Nurses Association was established in 1905 and made history in 1911 when its members successfully lobbied for the passage of Tennessee’s first Nurse Practice Act — a landmark achievement that shaped professional nursing regulation in the state. Today, TNA continues to fulfill its mission: “To promote and protect the Registered Nurse and advance the practice of nursing in order to assure a healthier Tennessee.”
TNA’s vision is to be the unifying voice for nursing in Tennessee, positively influencing the future of health care. The organization is governed by a Board of Directors and a House of Delegates, both elected by association members from all local districts across the state.
Membership Types and Dues
When joining TNA, registered nurses have two primary options: a full joint TNA/ANA membership or a TNA State-Only membership. Each category offers different levels of access and benefits, and dues are structured to accommodate nurses at various stages of their careers.
| Membership Type | Who It’s For |
|---|---|
| Full TNA/ANA — Standard | RNs employed full or part-time |
| Full TNA/ANA — Reduced | New grads, students, unemployed RNs, or age 62+ earning below Social Security limits |
| Full TNA/ANA — Retired/Disabled | RNs age 62+ not employed, or totally disabled RNs |
| TNA State-Only Membership | RNs seeking TNA and district benefits without ANA membership |
Members who choose full TNA/ANA membership are voting members of both organizations and receive the combined benefits of each. Those who select the state-only option are full voting members of TNA and receive all TNA benefits, but do not receive ANA-specific perks. Automatic monthly draft payment plans are available, making it easy to budget for membership throughout the year.
Professional Development and Career Advancement
One of the most tangible advantages of a TNA membership is access to career development resources that help registered nurses grow professionally, maintain licensure, and remain competitive in the job market.
Continuing Nursing Education (CNE)
TNA is an ANCC-approved provider of continuing nursing education. Members receive significant discounts — and in many cases, free access — to hundreds of online independent study modules covering a broad range of clinical and professional topics. These modules are available in multiple formats including articles, audio, multimedia slideshows, and video. For nurses who need to fulfill Tennessee’s continuing competency CE requirements, this benefit alone can provide a substantial return on membership dues.
- Discounted or free access to online CNE through the ANA/TNA learning platform
- Wide variety of topics, including specialties not easily found through other online providers
- Multiple learning formats to accommodate different preferences and schedules
- Discounts on all TNA-sponsored continuing education events
ANCC Certification Discounts
For nurses who hold or are pursuing board certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), full TNA/ANA membership delivers meaningful financial savings. Members receive up to $125 off initial ANCC certification and up to $150 off certification renewal. Specialty certifications are a mark of advanced expertise and are increasingly expected by employers — these discounts make the credentialing process more accessible.
Legal Nurse Consultant Certification
Through TNA’s partnership with Jurex — the Center for Legal Nurse Consultants — members receive a $100 discount on the Professional Legal Nurse Consultant (PLNC) Certification Course, available in live, video, or online formats. The course includes unlimited mentoring, a profile listing in the Jurex directory, and 15 ANCC contact hours at no additional charge.
TNA Career Center
The TNA Career Center gives members targeted access to nursing positions with premier employers across Tennessee. Whether a nurse is looking for their first position, seeking advancement, or exploring a specialty change, the career center provides a curated job-search experience specifically tailored to the nursing profession.
University Tuition Partnerships
TNA has established educational partnerships with select universities to help members advance their academic credentials at reduced cost:
- Drexel University Online — TNA members may qualify for tuition reductions of up to 25%, along with deferred billing options to minimize out-of-pocket costs.
- Walden University — Members receive a 10% tuition reduction benefit plus access to grants for selected degree programs, including ADN-to-MSN completion tracks.
Publications and Staying Informed
In a field where clinical guidelines, legislation, and best practices evolve rapidly, staying current is not optional — it is a professional obligation. TNA membership provides access to a robust suite of publications and communications designed to keep nurses informed.
| Publication | Frequency | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Nurse | Quarterly | State nursing news, TNA updates, clinical features |
| TNA News Express for Members | Bi-weekly | Member updates, events, and association news |
| The American Nurse | Recurring | National nursing profession updates (full members) |
| American Nurse Today | Recurring | Clinical practice and professional development (full members) |
| Online Journal of Issues in Nursing (OJIN) | Ongoing | Peer-reviewed policy and practice topics (full members) |
| Capitol Update | Session-based | Tennessee legislative activity affecting nursing |
| Nursing Insider | Recurring | Briefings on national health policy and ANA initiatives |
Members also receive email alerts and listserv notifications on urgent and time-sensitive issues, legislative developments, and advocacy opportunities — ensuring that members never miss a critical update that could affect their license, practice, or workplace rights.
Advocacy and Political Representation
Perhaps no other benefit sets TNA apart from standalone CE platforms or commercial nurse organizations quite like its advocacy work. TNA is the only nursing organization in Tennessee offering distinctive representation at the local, state, and national levels — and that representation begins the moment a nurse joins.
State-Level Advocacy
Every legislative session, TNA closely monitors bills and proposals that directly or indirectly impact nursing practice, patient safety, and health care delivery in Tennessee. The organization takes action in the following ways:
- Statewide lobbying on issues important to nursing and health care in Tennessee
- Providing expert testimony and professional insight to legislators on issues of concern to nurses
- Protecting and updating the Tennessee Nurse Practice Act to reflect current, evidence-based standards
- Tracking the quality and availability of health care services throughout the state
- Issuing a Weekly Legislative Report for members to quickly take action and contact their representatives
Tennessee Nurses Political Action Committee (TNPAC)
The Tennessee Nurses Political Action Committee works to protect the interests of professional nursing through political activity at the local and state levels. TNPAC gives TNA members a direct channel through which the nursing voice enters the political arena — supporting candidates and legislation that align with nurses’ professional and patient-care interests. Members have access to an Advocacy Toolbox that makes it simple to contact legislators and take action on priority issues.
National-Level Representation Through ANA
Full TNA/ANA members gain access to national advocacy as well. Through its affiliation with the American Nurses Association, TNA amplifies the Tennessee nursing voice in the national conversation. The ANA represents nursing in federal agencies, at the White House, and in international forums, while also serving as the public face of the nursing profession in national media. TNA elects representatives to the ANA House of Delegates, ensuring that Tennessee’s nurses have a formal seat at the table when nationwide policy decisions are made.
Networking and Community
Professional isolation is a significant challenge in nursing, particularly for those working in rural areas, specialty settings, or night shifts. TNA membership connects nurses with a statewide community of peers through multiple channels:
- Annual Conference and Membership Assembly — TNA’s flagship event offers continuing education, networking, and member governance. The conference connects nurses from across the state with leading clinical and policy experts, and is where members elect TNA leadership.
- TNA Legislative Summit / Nurses Day on the Hill — Brings nurses to the State Capitol to engage with legislators and advocate for the profession in person.
- District Associations — All TNA members automatically belong to their local TNA District Association, which hosts meetings, events, and educational programming at the community level.
- Members-Only Website Section — Provides access to archived Legislative Updates, Tennessee Nurses Foundation grant applications, TNA Bylaws, TNA Policies and Procedures, and additional exclusive resources.
- Nurse Educators Institute — Specialized programming for nurses in academic and clinical education roles.
Tennessee Nurses Foundation (TNF)
The Tennessee Nurses Foundation is a not-for-profit organization established by TNA in 1982. Its mission is to improve the health of Tennesseans through charitable initiatives that advance nursing practice, education, research, leadership, and well-being. TNF is governed by a Board of Trust composed of registered nurses and community leaders.
As a TNA member, you are part of an organization directly connected to TNF’s programs, which include:
- Scholarships and Grants — TNF offers scholarships for LPNs seeking advancement to RN status, as well as grants for practicing nurses pursuing research and professional development. Annual scholarship applications are accepted from January through March each year.
- Leadership Nursing Program — Designed to cultivate and mentor nursing leaders across the state, this program prepares participants for roles in professional organizations, healthcare systems, and policy environments.
- Tennessee Professional Assistance Program — TNF administers a voluntary, individualized assistance program for nurses dealing with substance use disorders. The program provides confidential advocacy, referral, and monitoring services to nurses and other health care professionals throughout Tennessee.
- Innovation Grant Program — Supports nurses in developing and implementing innovative solutions in clinical practice and nursing education.
- TNF 5K — A community health event that brings TNA members and supporters together in a spirit of wellness and professional camaraderie.
American Nurses Foundation research grant funds are also available to nurses pursuing formal nursing research, further expanding the professional resources accessible through a full TNA/ANA membership.
Personal and Financial Benefits
Beyond professional development and advocacy, TNA membership includes a suite of personal benefits designed to support nurses’ financial health, insurance coverage, and daily convenience.
Professional and Personal Liability Insurance
TNA members have access to comprehensive professional liability insurance offering occurrence-based coverage of up to $2,000,000/$4,000,000. First-year nursing graduates receive a 50% discount on their first year of professional liability premium, making this a particularly valuable resource for new RNs entering practice.
Health, Dental, and Disability Coverage
- Customized Major Medical Plan — Available through MERCER with a wide variety of coverage options.
- Dental Insurance Plan — Covers preventative care, root canal, crowns, dentures, and other treatments for members and their families.
- Best Benefits Discount Plan — Provides discounts on vision, hearing, and chiropractic costs.
- Individual Disability Income Insurance — TNA members receive a 15% premium discount on individual disability income insurance through a major provider.
- Life Insurance and Cancer/Medicare Supplement Coverage — Additional protection options are available to members seeking comprehensive personal coverage.
TNA Visa Rewards Credit Card
Through a partnership with Commerce Bank, TNA members can apply for a co-branded Visa Rewards Credit Card that offers cash back on purchases while simultaneously supporting TNA. Cardholder benefits include a free FICO® score on monthly statements, zero liability coverage, $100,000 travel accident insurance, 24/7 customer service, and access to a flexible payment management feature.
Prescription Drug Savings
TNA has partnered with United Networks of America to offer a free prescription drug discount card available to members, their families, friends, and even patients. The card provides savings of up to 75% on both brand-name and generic medications and is accepted at more than 56,000 pharmacies nationwide. The program can also be used as a primary prescription plan for those without drug coverage, and includes a pricing search tool to help users identify the lowest available cost in their area.
Vehicle Rental Discounts and Financial Planning Services
Members receive exclusive discount codes for two major national car rental companies — Alamo and Budget — making business travel and personal trips more affordable.
TNA has partnered with financial advisory services to help members develop personalized retirement and financial planning strategies. These services focus on each nurse’s specific career stage, goals, and financial situation to create actionable plans for long-term financial well-being.
Why TNA Membership Is Worth It
When you consider the combined value of continuing education discounts, ANCC certification savings, free publications, legislative advocacy, liability insurance, prescription drug cards, and university tuition
partnerships, TNA membership delivers far more than its cost — for most full-time RNs, that amounts to less than one dollar per day. More importantly, it is an investment in the profession itself. With nearly 83,000 registered nurses in Tennessee and TNA connected to over 3 million nurses nationally through the ANA, every member strengthens the collective voice that shapes how nursing is practiced, regulated, and valued. Whether you are a new graduate, an experienced clinician, or a nurse near retirement, there is a membership tier designed for your stage and budget.
How to Join and What to Expect
Joining TNA is straightforward. Prospective members choose between a full TNA/ANA joint membership or a TNA state-only membership based on their goals and the level of benefits they want. Full-membership applicants complete their application through the ANA’s online portal and are enrolled in both organizations simultaneously. State-only applicants join directly through TNA. Automatic monthly draft payment plans are available for all categories, removing the barrier of a large upfront annual payment.
Final Thoughts
The Tennessee Nurses Association has stood behind registered nurses for more than a century — fighting for stronger practice protections, greater access to education, and improved health outcomes for all Tennesseans. TNA membership brings that advocacy directly to your career while delivering practical day-to-day value through education discounts, publications, networking, and financial savings. The strength of the nursing profession in Tennessee depends on nurses standing together through organizations like TNA.