Travel RN Jobs in Tennessee

There’s a reason Tennessee keeps showing up on every travel nurse’s shortlist. No state income tax, compact licensure, a healthcare market that’s expanding in every direction, and a quality of life that makes your days off actually feel like days off. From Nashville’s world-class medical corridor to Memphis’s high-acuity facilities and the Smoky Mountain communities in between, Tennessee gives travel RNs something most states can’t — financial advantage and clinical variety in the same package.

Junxion Med Staffing puts a real recruiter in your corner — not a call center, not a rotating cast of names you can’t keep straight. One person who knows your specialty, fights for your rate, and answers when you call. Explore our travel RN opportunities or browse all travel healthcare jobs in Tennessee to see what’s available.

Our founder was a traveling surgical tech who built Junxion because the big agencies treat healthcare professionals like inventory. We do it differently.

Why Tennessee for Travel RN Jobs?

The headline here is simple: Tennessee has no state income tax on earned wages. That’s not a gimmick — it means every dollar of your weekly rate stays in your pocket without state withholding eating into it. Over a 13-week contract, that difference adds up to real money. Combine it with tax-free stipends, and Tennessee is one of the most financially favorable states for travel nurses in the country.

Tennessee is also an NLC compact state. If you already hold a multistate license, you can start working here without applying for a separate Tennessee license. That saves you weeks of processing time and lets you jump on contracts faster when they hit the board.

On the demand side, Nashville alone is home to more healthcare company headquarters than any other city in the U.S. — and the clinical facilities to match. The state’s population is growing, rural communities are facing provider shortages, and facilities across all settings need experienced RNs to keep their units staffed. Med-surg, telemetry, stepdown, oncology — the openings are steady.

Where Travel RNs Work in Tennessee

• Nashville: Known as the Healthcare Capital of the U.S., Nashville has an enormous concentration of health systems, specialty hospitals, and clinical facilities. Travel RN contracts here span nearly every unit type — med-surg, tele, stepdown, oncology, neuro, and more. Beyond the hospitals, Nashville’s live music, hot chicken, and walkable neighborhoods make it one of the most popular travel destinations in the country.
• Memphis: Tennessee’s second-largest city has a healthcare market driven by major academic and community health systems. The acuity tends to run higher here, and facilities value experienced travelers who can handle complex patient populations. Memphis brings the barbecue, the blues, and a riverfront that’s worth exploring on your off days.
• Knoxville: East Tennessee’s largest city is growing steadily, and its healthcare market is keeping pace. Travel RN contracts here include med-surg, telemetry, and specialty units at both regional facilities and smaller community hospitals. Knoxville puts you at the doorstep of the Great Smoky Mountains — tough to match for quality of life between shifts.
• Chattanooga: Sitting where Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama meet, Chattanooga’s medical community serves a tri-state patient population. The city’s been named one of the best mid-size cities in the South, with rock climbing, river sports, and a revitalized downtown that travelers consistently love.
• Johnson City: In the northeast corner of the state, Johnson City has an academic medical center that anchors healthcare for the Tri-Cities region. Travel RNs here work in a community-oriented setting with access to Appalachian trail country and a surprisingly affordable cost of living.

Pay and Benefits

Travel RN pay in Tennessee averages around $2,400 per week, with a typical range that shifts based on specialty, shift, and facility needs. Remember — no state income tax means more of that stays with you compared to states that withhold 5-10% off the top.

Here’s what Junxion includes in your Tennessee package:

• Housing stipend or agency-arranged housing
• Tax-free meals and incidentals (M&IE) stipend
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Travel reimbursement
• 401(k) eligibility
• A dedicated recruiter who knows the Tennessee market and your specialty

We don’t bury details in fine print or use vague language about “competitive pay.” Your recruiter breaks down every dollar — base rate, stipends, reimbursements — so you can compare packages and make a real decision.

Licensure and Requirements

Tennessee is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact. If your home state is also compact, your multistate license covers you — no separate Tennessee application needed. Coming from a non-compact state? You’ll need to apply for a Tennessee RN license through the state Board of Nursing, which typically takes a few weeks.

Most travel RN contracts in Tennessee require:

• Active RN license (compact or Tennessee state)
• BLS certification (AHA)
• Minimum 2 years of acute care experience
• ACLS or specialty-specific certifications depending on the unit

Your recruiter tells you exactly what’s needed for each contract — no guessing, no last-minute surprises during credentialing. Need help? Visit our employee resources page or reach out to our team directly.

FAQs: Travel RN Jobs in Tennessee

Does Tennessee really have no state income tax for travel nurses?

Correct. Tennessee does not tax earned income — no state withholding on your wages at all. Combined with tax-free stipends for housing and M&IE, this makes Tennessee one of the highest net-take-home states for travel nurses. The financial difference over a full contract is significant, especially compared to high-tax states.

What types of travel RN assignments are available in Tennessee?

Med-surg and telemetry make up the bulk of the work, but Tennessee’s large healthcare market means you’ll also find stepdown, oncology, neuro, rehab, and progressive care contracts. Nashville has the widest variety, while smaller cities tend to focus on general acute care. Flexibility on unit type gives you more options.

How far in advance should I apply for Tennessee travel RN contracts?

Most facilities post contracts four to eight weeks before the start date. If your credentials are ready, your recruiter can submit you quickly. Nashville contracts tend to fill faster due to demand, so starting the conversation early gives you the best shot at your preferred facility and shift.

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Ready to take your next travel RN assignment to Tennessee? Talk to a Junxion recruiter today and let’s find the contract that fits your goals, your specialty, and your lifestyle.

What Tennessee RN Contracts Look Like

Tennessee contracts frequently come with competitive weekly packages, especially in Nashville and Memphis where hospital systems compete for travel staff. Many facilities here offer block scheduling, which gives you long weekends to explore. Tennessee has no state income tax, so your take-home pay gets a nice boost compared to assignments in states like California or New York. If you like live music, Nashville assignments are hard to beat.

Explore More

• Travel RN Jobs Hub
• Travel Healthcare Jobs in Tennessee
• How Does Travel Nursing Work
• How to Become a Traveling Nurse
• Employee Resources

Know a nurse who’d love Tennessee? Send them our way and you could earn a referral bonus.