OR Travel Nurse Jobs in Tennessee

Nashville is called the Healthcare Capital for a reason. Some of the biggest health systems in the country are headquartered here, and they run surgical programs that need experienced OR nurses to keep pace. But Tennessee’s surgical market goes well beyond Nashville — Memphis has a powerhouse academic medical center, and cities like Knoxville and Chattanooga have their own strong surgical programs. Junxion’s founder spent years traveling as a surgical tech, and that firsthand OR experience is baked into everything we do. When you call us about an OR assignment, you’re talking to people who’ve actually been behind the sterile field.

Tennessee combines high surgical volume, compact licensing, and a state with no income tax — which is a pretty hard combination to beat. See what’s open on our OR travel nurse opportunities page, or explore all travel healthcare jobs in Tennessee.

Why Tennessee for OR Travel Nurse Jobs?

Tennessee is a compact state, so your multistate RN license is valid here. No extra licensing steps, no weeks of waiting. You can focus on credentialing and getting to work.

The state’s healthcare infrastructure is massive. Nashville alone has more healthcare company headquarters than any other city in the U.S., and that translates directly into surgical volume. Multiple major health systems operate large surgical programs across the metro, and they’re constantly building new facilities and expanding OR suites. Memphis adds another layer with a major academic medical center known for complex cases and surgical innovation. Even mid-size Tennessee cities maintain busy ORs because the state’s population is growing and aging — both of which drive surgical demand.

And then there’s the tax situation. Tennessee has no state income tax on wages. That’s real money back in your pocket every paycheck. Combine that with a reasonable cost of living (especially outside Nashville), compact licensing, and robust surgical programs, and Tennessee is one of the top OR travel markets in the Southeast.

Where OR Nurses Work in Tennessee

Nashville — The Healthcare Capital lives up to the name. Multiple major health systems run large surgical programs with high daily case volumes. You’ll find every service line here — cardiac, neuro, ortho, trauma, robotics, vascular, and general surgery. Nashville’s ORs move fast, and they want travelers who can keep up. Off the clock, the city delivers — live music everywhere, incredible food, and a growing neighborhood scene that goes way beyond Broadway honky-tonks.

Memphis — Memphis has a major academic medical center with one of the most respected surgical programs in the Southeast. Level I trauma, pediatric surgery, transplant, and neurosurgery are all part of the mix. It’s a teaching environment with surgical residents, so expect complex cases and a fast pace. Memphis is also home to world-class barbecue, a legendary music heritage, and some of the most genuine Southern hospitality you’ll find anywhere.

Knoxville — East Tennessee’s largest city has multiple health systems with active surgical programs. Ortho and general surgery make up the bulk of the work, but you’ll also see cardiac and trauma cases. Knoxville sits at the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, so your days off come with hiking, scenic drives, and mountain town exploring right outside the city limits.

Chattanooga — Located in the southeast corner of the state, Chattanooga has grown into a regional healthcare center with expanding surgical programs. Ortho, general, and vascular cases are common. The city has reinvented itself over the past decade with a thriving outdoor recreation scene, a walkable waterfront district, and some of the fastest internet in the country (seriously). It’s a great quality of life for a 13-week contract.

Johnson City — Part of the Tri-Cities region in northeast Tennessee, Johnson City has a medical center affiliated with a university program that handles solid surgical volume for the region. It’s a smaller market, but the surgical teams are experienced and the mountain setting is tough to match. If you want a quieter assignment with outdoor access and a close-knit OR team, this is it.

Pay and Benefits

Tennessee’s no-income-tax advantage makes every dollar in your pay package worth more. Here’s what Junxion offers for OR travel nurses in Tennessee:

• Average weekly pay: $2,700/week (range: $2,300 to $3,500+)
• Housing stipend
• Tax-free meals and incidentals (M&IE) stipend
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Travel reimbursement
• 401(k) eligibility
• Not a call center. One person who knows OR nursing, knows the Tennessee market, and picks up when you call.

Nashville assignments tend to offer the highest rates given the surgical volume and competition for talent. But the real story is the no-income-tax boost — whatever your weekly rate, you’re keeping more of it than you would in most other states. Your Junxion recruiter will show you the full picture, taxes included, before you make any decisions.

Licensure and Requirements

Tennessee keeps things straightforward with compact licensing. Here’s the full list for OR travel nurse jobs:

• Active RN license (compact multistate license accepted)
• BLS certification (required)
• CNOR certification (preferred — Nashville and Memphis facilities especially value it)
• ACLS certification (sometimes required for trauma and cardiac ORs)
• Minimum 2 years of OR experience with circulating and scrub roles
• Multi-service line experience preferred (ortho, general, neuro, cardiac, vascular)

Visit our employee resources page for credential checklists, or reach out to our team to talk through your qualifications. We’ll tell you exactly where you stand and what you need.

FAQs: OR Travel Nurse Jobs in Tennessee

Does Tennessee really have no state income tax?

Correct. Tennessee does not tax wage income. That applies to your hourly rate and overtime. Your tax-free stipends (housing, M&IE) are separate on top of that. It’s one of the biggest financial advantages of taking a Tennessee assignment, and your Junxion recruiter can help you understand exactly how it impacts your take-home.

What’s the difference between Nashville and Memphis for OR assignments?

Nashville has more facilities competing for travel OR nurses, which means more options and often higher rates. The case mix is broad across all service lines. Memphis has a major academic medical center with more complex, high-acuity cases — transplant, neuro, Level I trauma. Nashville gives you volume and variety. Memphis gives you depth and complexity. Both are excellent markets.

Are there OR travel jobs outside the big cities in Tennessee?

Absolutely. Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Johnson City all have active surgical programs that use travel OR nurses. These markets tend to be less competitive to get into, the cost of living is lower, and the OR teams are often more tight-knit. If you’re looking for strong work without big-city intensity, Tennessee’s mid-size cities are worth considering.

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Tennessee’s surgical market is booming and Junxion knows it firsthand. Our recruiters understand OR placements because we grew up in the operating room. Get in touch and let’s find your Tennessee assignment.

Explore More

• OR Travel Nurse Jobs Hub
• Travel Healthcare Jobs in Tennessee
• CVOR Travel Nurse Jobs
• How to Become a Traveling Nurse
• Employee Resources

Know a perioperative nurse who’d thrive in Tennessee? Point them our way — Junxion pays referral bonuses when they land their first assignment.