Nursing is not just a profession — it is the backbone of healthcare delivery and one of the most demanding careers a person can choose. Recognizing the sacrifices and continuous learning demands placed on nurses, the Tennessee Nurses Foundation (TNF) was created to provide meaningful, lasting support to nursing professionals across the state.
Established in 1982 as a not-for-profit corporation by the Tennessee Nurses Association (TNA), TNF was built on a clear idea: nurses deserve organized, sustained support at every stage of their career. From funding nursing education to equipping professionals with practical mentorship tools, TNF has become one of the most impactful nursing-support organizations in the region.
This article explores three of TNF’s most significant initiatives: its portfolio of scholarships and grants, the annual Virtual 5K fundraiser, and the TNF Nurse Mentoring Toolkit — programs that together ensure Tennessee’s nurses are educated, connected, and empowered.
About the Tennessee Nurses Foundation
The Tennessee Nurses Foundation was formally established in 1982 to serve as a dedicated vehicle for supporting programs that meet the special needs of TNA members and other nurses throughout Tennessee. It operates as an independent not-for-profit corporation, governed by a Board of Trust composed of registered nurses and community leaders who bring both clinical insight and civic responsibility to the organization’s work.
TNF is supported entirely through voluntary contributions, which are tax-deductible. This funding model reflects the community-driven spirit at the heart of TNF: nurses and those who believe in them pooling their resources to lift the profession as a whole.
Mission and Goals
The TNF mission is to improve the health of Tennesseans through charitable initiatives that advance nursing practice, education, research, leadership, and well-being. This mission is pursued through five core organizational goals:
- Promote the professional image of nursing
- Support nursing education
- Facilitate leadership development
- Encourage nursing research
- Support professional health and wellness
These goals are not aspirational slogans — they are actively pursued through concrete programs, financial awards, and professional development resources, three of which are examined in detail below.
TNF Scholarship and Grant Programs
One of the most direct ways TNF fulfills its mission is through a robust portfolio of scholarships and grants that reduce the financial burden on nurses who wish to advance their education, change practice levels, pursue graduate study, or engage in research. All scholarships are funded through TNF’s fundraising programs and are tax-deductible contributions.
Scholarships are awarded once per year. Applications typically open January 1 and close March 31 — applicants should verify current deadlines directly with TNA. Incomplete applications are not accepted.
Scholarship Programs at a Glance
| Scholarship Name | Eligible Applicant | Award Amount | TNA Membership Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| TNF Entry-Level Nursing Scholarship | Students in an accredited entry-level nursing program | $5,000 (per region: West, Middle, East TN) | No |
| TNF LPN to RN Scholarship | Licensed Practical Nurses in TN enrolled in an accredited LPN-to-RN program | $5,000 | No (TNA member reference required) |
| Arthur Davis LPN to RN Scholarship | Licensed Practical Nurses in TN pursuing higher nursing education | $1,000 | No |
| TNF RN to BSN Scholarship | Registered Nurses who are TNA members pursuing a BSN | $5,000 | Yes |
| Maureen Nalle Memorial Graduate Nursing Scholarship | Registered Nurses in TN pursuing graduate-level nursing studies | $5,000 | No |
| TNF Nursing Research Grants | TNA member RNs conducting nursing practice research | Varies | Yes |
| Edna Mason TNA Annual Conference Scholarship | Nurses attending the TNA Annual Conference for the first time | One full conference registration | No |
Entry-Level Nursing Scholarship
The TNF Entry-Level Nursing Scholarship is designed to support students who are just beginning their journey into the nursing profession. Applicants must be enrolled in an entry-level nursing program at an accredited institution of higher education. Notably, this scholarship is structured on a regional basis, with one award available for each of Tennessee’s three geographic regions — West, Middle, and East — each in the amount of $5,000. This regional approach ensures that nursing students from all corners of the state have equitable access to financial support.
LPN to RN Scholarships
Tennessee’s licensed practical nurses (LPNs) who wish to advance their credentials to registered nurse (RN) status face significant educational and financial hurdles. TNF addresses this barrier through two programs. The TNF LPN to RN Scholarship awards $5,000 per recipient to LPNs enrolled in an accredited LPN-to-RN program in Tennessee, with applications accepted annually from January 1 to March 31. Separately, the Arthur Davis LPN to RN Scholarship, funded entirely by the Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc. — publisher of the Tennessee Nurse — provides a $1,000 award administered by the TNF Board of Trustees. Both programs require letters of recommendation, proof of program enrollment, and a plan for the use of funds.
RN to BSN Scholarship
For practicing registered nurses pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), the TNF RN to BSN Scholarship provides $5,000 annually. This award is available exclusively to RNs who hold active TNA membership and are enrolled in an accredited BSN program. The scholarship reflects growing evidence that BSN-prepared nurses deliver measurable improvements in patient outcomes and are better positioned for leadership and advanced practice roles.
Maureen Nalle Memorial Graduate Nursing Scholarship
Graduate nursing education positions nurses for advanced clinical roles, academic careers, and research leadership. The Maureen Nalle Memorial Graduate Nursing Scholarship supports this commitment by providing $5,000 annually to eligible registered nurses in Tennessee who are pursuing graduate-level study. The scholarship is awarded once per year and funded through TNF’s fundraising activities.
TNF Nursing Research Grants Program
The TNF Nursing Research Grants Program recognizes that evidence-based practice requires ongoing investment in original research. Grants are available to TNA member registered nurses engaged in scientific or other research projects focused on nursing practice — supporting the generation of new knowledge that can improve clinical outcomes and elevate professional standards across Tennessee’s healthcare system.
Edna Mason TNA Annual Conference Scholarship
Named in honor of Edna Mason, RN, a beloved long-time TNA member from the Knoxville area known for her warmth and unwavering attendance at TNA’s Annual Conferences, this scholarship covers the cost of a full conference registration for a first-time attendee. TNA membership is not required, though lodging and travel remain the recipient’s responsibility. The scholarship keeps Ms. Mason’s memory alive by opening professional doors for nurses who have never had the opportunity to experience the learning and community that TNA’s annual gathering provides.
The TNF Virtual 5K: “Nurses on the Move”
Fundraising for the Tennessee Nurses Foundation takes many forms, but few are as community-spirited — or as accessible — as the TNF Virtual 5K Run/Walk. The 2025 edition of this event, titled Nurses on the Move: Running for Knowledge. Walking for Care., was held throughout the entire month of October 2025, from the 1st through the 31st. Because it is a virtual event, participants could complete their 5K wherever they chose — on a neighborhood trail, at a local track, on a treadmill, or anywhere else that suited them.
The virtual format is by design. It removes geographic and logistical barriers, allowing nurses from Memphis to Mountain City, along with their families, colleagues, and community supporters, to participate in a shared act of solidarity for the profession.
What the Event Supports
Proceeds from the Virtual 5K directly fund the Tennessee Nurses Foundation’s core programs, including:
- Nursing scholarships and educational initiatives
- The TNF Leadership Nursing Program
- Continuing education and professional development resources
Every registration translates into tangible support for Tennessee’s nurses — whether that means helping a student cover tuition costs, enabling a practicing nurse to attend a leadership institute, or funding research that improves patient care across the state.
Registration Details and Participant Perks
Registration for the 2025 Virtual 5K was set at $38.10, which included all credit card processing fees. Every registered participant received:
- A custom 2.5-inch collectible cast medal with a custom sublimated neck ribbon
- A commemorative TN Nurses on the Move: Running for Knowledge. Walking for Care. t-shirt, available in multiple color options
In a particularly charming addition, the TNF Fundraising Committee offered a Paw-Pal registration for just $15, allowing participants to include their pets in the event. Paw-Pal registrants received a custom bandanna and a dog tag — a fun way to celebrate the event as a family, fur members included.
Why a Virtual 5K?
The virtual format reflects a broader trend in nonprofit fundraising that prioritizes inclusivity and flexibility. For nurses working irregular schedules — nights, weekends, and holidays — a month-long participation window ensures that no one is excluded by shift conflicts. The format also aligns with TNF’s health and wellness mission, encouraging nurses to model the active lifestyle they recommend to their own patients.
The TNF Nurse Mentoring Toolkit
Among the Tennessee Nurses Foundation’s most distinctive contributions to the profession is the TNF Nurse Mentoring Toolkit, a comprehensive, practical mentoring resource made available to hospitals and nursing schools throughout the state of Tennessee. The Toolkit was developed to address a real and persistent challenge in nursing: the transition from student or novice nurse to confident, competent professional is difficult, and structured mentorship dramatically improves outcomes for both new nurses and their patients.
The TNF Nurse Mentoring Toolkit is specifically designed for hospital nurses but is equally applicable to students enrolled in nursing programs. It provides structured resources for three distinct groups: program coordinators who oversee mentoring initiatives, mentors who work directly with mentees, and the mentees themselves.
What the Toolkit Covers
The Toolkit is organized as a practical, how-to mentoring guide containing best practices, conversation-starting questions, resources, checklists, and activities. It covers eleven major topic areas that address both the professional and interpersonal dimensions of nursing mentorship:
| Topic Area | Focus |
|---|---|
| Building Trust | Establishing a safe, honest mentor-mentee relationship |
| Establishing a Plan | Creating a structured mentoring roadmap with clear milestones |
| Setting Goals | Helping mentees identify and pursue professional objectives |
| Job Satisfaction, Workplace Engagement, and Empowerment | Fostering a positive, sustainable work experience |
| Understanding Self and Others | Developing self-awareness and interpersonal insight |
| Effective Communication | Building clear, professional communication skills in clinical settings |
| Problem Solving | Addressing clinical and workplace challenges systematically |
| Time Management | Improving efficiency and prioritization in demanding environments |
| Leadership and Workplace Dynamics | Navigating organizational culture and developing leadership capacity |
| Career Development and Professionalism in Nursing | Planning long-term career growth and understanding professional identity |
| Evaluation and Outcomes | Assessing mentoring progress and measuring program effectiveness |
Eligibility and Access Conditions
The TNF Nurse Mentoring Toolkit is available to hospitals and nursing schools operating within Tennessee, with the following membership conditions:
- Hospitals: The program coordinator overseeing the mentoring initiative must be an active TNA member.
- Nursing Schools: The Dean, Director, Chair, or Lead of the program must hold an active TNA membership to qualify.
This requirement ensures that resources reach organizations with a demonstrated commitment to professional nursing standards while encouraging broader institutional engagement with the TNA community.
Why Mentorship Matters in Nursing
Nursing mentorship programs are not simply a professional courtesy — they are a clinical safety tool. Research consistently links structured mentorship to higher nurse retention rates, improved job satisfaction, reduced burnout, and better patient outcomes. New nurses who receive quality mentorship are more likely to remain in their positions, develop confident clinical judgment, and contribute to a stable, experienced workforce.
For Tennessee, where healthcare systems serve communities ranging from dense urban centers to rural areas with limited access to care, retaining experienced nurses is a public health priority. The TNF Nurse Mentoring Toolkit is a direct, practical response to that need.
How TNF’s Programs Connect: A Unified Vision
At first glance, a scholarship program, a virtual 5K, and a mentoring toolkit may appear unrelated. In fact, each is a deliberate expression of the same core belief: investing in nurses is investing in the health of all Tennesseans.
The scholarships remove financial barriers to nursing education so that qualified candidates from any background can enter and advance within the profession. The Virtual 5K builds community, promotes wellness, and generates the funding that makes those scholarships possible. The Nurse Mentoring Toolkit ensures that newly educated nurses are welcomed and guided into professional excellence rather than left to navigate clinical challenges alone.
These three programs reflect the full arc of a nursing career: becoming a nurse, becoming a better nurse, and becoming a nurse who lifts others. That continuity of support for the profession itself is what the Tennessee Nurses Foundation was built to provide.
Supporting the Tennessee Nurses Foundation
TNF relies entirely on voluntary contributions to sustain and expand its programs. Donations may be designated for a specific fund or left unrestricted for the TNF Board of Trust to allocate where the need is greatest, and all contributions are tax-deductible. Nurses, healthcare organizations, and individuals who believe in the mission of professional nursing can contribute directly through the TNA website. Participation in the annual Virtual 5K is another meaningful way to engage, combining personal wellness with philanthropic impact.
Conclusion
The Tennessee Nurses Foundation stands as a purposeful expression of what a professional nursing association can do for its members and the communities they serve. Through its scholarships — spanning every stage from entry-level study to graduate research — TNF removes financial barriers that might otherwise prevent talented individuals from pursuing or advancing a nursing career. The Virtual 5K transforms community enthusiasm for health into real financial resources. And the Nurse Mentoring Toolkit provides the structural support that helps new nurses thrive and remain in the profession.
For nurses practicing in Tennessee, the message is clear: you are not alone. Whether you are studying for your first nursing exam, completing your BSN, conducting clinical research, or guiding a colleague through their first year on the floor, the Tennessee Nurses Foundation has built programs designed with your journey in mind. Visit the Tennessee Nurses Association website to learn more about applying for scholarships, participating in the Virtual 5K, or accessing the Nurse Mentoring Toolkit for your institution.