About the TCNA

Creation of the Center

The Appalachian Highlands Center for Nursing Advancement was established in October 2021 at East Tennessee State University with a significant investment from Ballad Health. Our goal is to address the nursing shortages and healthcare challenges in the Appalachian Highlands by bridging academic programs, clinical practice, and local school systems.

Effective August 2024, the Appalachian Highlands Center for Nursing Advancement and the Tennessee Center for Nursing Advancement will merge under a new name: the Tennessee Center for Nursing Advancement (TCNA). While we are adopting a new name, our commitment remains unchanged. The TCNA will continue to serve and support our region, alongside our broader statewide initiatives. This change reflects our evolving mission and unified approach to advancing nursing excellence across Tennessee and our region.

What We Do:

• Expand Nursing Opportunities: We aim to increase the pipeline of future nurses by supporting the education and training of CNAs, LPNs, and RNs.
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  Build Collaborative Partnerships: We work with colleges, universities, and healthcare providers across the region to enhance nursing education and practice.
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  Advance Clinical Practice: We strive to improve nursing workflows and practices through research, scholarship, and innovation.
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  Showcase Data: We offer a comprehensive dashboard to present key data and trends related to the nursing workforce.

In conjunction with the Appalachian Highlands Center, the Tennessee Center for Nursing Advancement was established in 2022 by the Tennessee legislature to spearhead statewide efforts in nursing workforce development. Our primary responsibilities include:

• Developing a Statewide Nursing Plan: We create a strategic plan based on a detailed analysis of current and future nursing workforce needs across Tennessee.
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  Maintaining a Nursing Workforce Database: We manage a database that tracks current nursing workforce data and future projections to inform policy and practice.
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  Facilitating Stakeholder Engagement: We convene meetings with nursing professionals, healthcare organizations, and industry leaders to gather insights and recommendations for the nursing field.
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  Recognizing Nursing Achievements: We celebrate the accomplishments of nurses and promote the positive image of the nursing profession throughout the state.
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  Increasing Educational Opportunities: We work to expand and enhance nursing education programs to ensure a steady supply of qualified nursing professionals for the future.