Pediatric ER travel nursing is one of the most specialized — and most rewarding — niches in travel healthcare. Tennessee has dedicated children’s hospitals and major pediatric emergency programs that need experienced peds ER nurses year-round. If you’re passionate about pediatric emergency care and you want to work in a state with great facilities, reasonable cost of living, and no state income tax, Tennessee deserves a hard look.
Here’s the full rundown — which cities have the best pediatric programs, what you’ll earn, what credentials you need, and how Junxion Med Staffing gets you into the right facility.Our leadership team came up through travel healthcare, not a corporate staffing playbook.
Ready to explore? Talk to a Junxion recruiter.
Why Tennessee Is a Strong Market for Pediatric ER Travel Nurses
Tennessee has several dedicated children’s hospitals and major health systems with strong pediatric emergency departments. The state’s combination of urban medical centers and underserved rural areas creates consistent demand for travel peds ER nurses. Nashville alone has two major children’s hospitals, and Memphis is home to one of the most recognized pediatric institutions in the country.
The financial picture is strong too. Tennessee has no state income tax, so your take-home pay stretches further. Cost of living is below the national average in most cities, which means your housing stipend goes a long way. And Tennessee is a Nurse Licensure Compact state, so compact license holders can start without a separate state license.
Best Cities for Pediatric ER Travel Nurse Jobs in Tennessee
Nashville — Monroe Carell Jr. and TriStar Centennial
Nashville is home to Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt — a nationally ranked pediatric facility with one of the busiest children’s ERs in the Southeast. TriStar Centennial Medical Center also has pediatric emergency services. Nashville’s healthcare market is massive, and the city itself is a fantastic place to live — live music, incredible food, and a friendly culture that makes travelers feel at home fast.
Memphis — Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital
Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis is consistently ranked among the best children’s hospitals in the nation. Their emergency department handles high-acuity pediatric cases from across the Mid-South region. If you want exposure to complex pediatric emergencies — trauma, critical illness, rare diagnoses — Memphis is where you’ll find it. The city’s barbecue and music scene are just bonuses.
Knoxville and Chattanooga — Regional Pediatric Programs
East Tennessee Children’s Hospital in Knoxville and Erlanger Health System’s Children’s Hospital in Chattanooga both serve regional pediatric populations. These facilities offer a different pace than the mega-centers in Nashville and Memphis but still see a solid mix of pediatric emergency cases. Both cities are gateway to the Smoky Mountains — hard to beat for outdoor activities on your days off.
Looking for pediatric ER travel assignments in Tennessee? Reach out to your Junxion recruiter — we specialize in matching peds nurses to the right units.
Pediatric ER Travel Nurse Pay in Tennessee
Pediatric ER travel nurses in Tennessee are earning $1,700–$2,300 per week on current 13-week contracts. Rates vary by facility, your peds-specific experience, certifications, and shift requirements. Nashville and Memphis facilities tend to pay at the higher end due to patient volume and acuity.
With no state income tax and affordable cost of living, Tennessee peds ER contracts offer excellent value. At Junxion, every pay package is laid out in full before you sign — base pay, stipends, and benefits with no hidden math.
Want to compare peds ER nurse pay across states? Check our pediatric ER travel nurse salary guide.
Pay data comes from live postings for 13-week contracts and includes base pay plus housing and meal stipends. What lands in your bank account depends on the facility, shift differentials, and your peds experience.
Credentials and Requirements for Tennessee Peds ER Travel Nursing
- Active RN license — Tennessee is a compact state, so a multistate license works. Single-state holders need to apply through the Tennessee BON.
- 2+ years of pediatric ER experience — children’s hospitals require nurses who are confident with pediatric assessments, weight-based dosing, and age-specific protocols.
- BLS, ACLS, PALS — all three are non-negotiable for pediatric ER positions. PALS is especially critical.
- ENPC and CPN — Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course and Certified Pediatric Nurse credentials are preferred and can unlock higher-paying contracts.
Junxion manages your credentialing and makes sure everything is in order before your start date. Pediatric facilities have strict compliance requirements — we handle the details so you can focus on patient care.
Why Junxion for Your Tennessee Peds ER Assignment?
Pediatric ER is different from adult ER — the skills, the emotional load, and the unit culture are all unique. At Junxion, your recruiter understands that. We don’t try to place an adult ER nurse in a children’s hospital just to fill a req. We match pediatric specialists to pediatric units, and we make sure the facility’s expectations align with your experience and comfort level.
Explore all our travel healthcare jobs in Tennessee or learn more about pediatric ER travel nursing nationwide.
FAQs About Pediatric ER Travel Nurse Jobs in Tennessee
How much do pediatric ER travel nurses make in Tennessee?
Peds ER travel nurses in Tennessee typically earn $1,700–$2,300 per week on 13-week contracts. Tennessee has no state income tax, which boosts your take-home pay compared to many other states.
Do I need a Tennessee nursing license for peds ER travel?
Tennessee is a compact state. Multistate license holders can work without a separate Tennessee license. Single-state license holders need to apply through the Tennessee Board of Nursing.
Which Tennessee hospitals have dedicated pediatric ERs?
Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville and Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis are the two major dedicated pediatric facilities. East Tennessee Children’s Hospital in Knoxville also has a pediatric ER program.
What makes pediatric ER different from adult ER travel nursing?
Peds ER requires comfort with age-specific vital sign ranges, weight-based medication dosing, pediatric-specific equipment, and the emotional dynamics of working with children and their families. Facilities specifically seek nurses with dedicated pediatric emergency experience.
How long are peds ER travel contracts in Tennessee?
Standard contracts are 13 weeks with extension options. Children’s hospitals often offer extensions because continuity matters in pediatric care — many peds ER travelers stay 2-3 contracts at facilities they connect with.
More Travel Healthcare Jobs in Tennessee
Start Your Tennessee Pediatric ER Assignment
Tennessee’s pediatric ER market needs specialists, and the facilities here are among the best in the country. If you’ve got the peds experience and you’re ready for a state with no income tax, compact licensing, and top-tier children’s hospitals, let’s make it happen. Reach out to your Junxion recruiter today.