How many CE credits do I need for RN in TN?

To renew a Tennessee RN license, you need to meet requirements every two years, typically by completing 5 contact hours of continuing education (CE) or showing national certification, or employer evaluation; if not practicing, 10 CE hours are needed, with specific rules for APRNs and high-risk prescribers, and courses must be ANCC-approved.

How many CEUs do nurses need in TN?

RNs and LPNs are required any combination of two (2) of the following every two years: Five (5) contact hours of continuing education (10 if not practicing) Evidence of current national certification.

How to check CE credits for Nursing?

You can use a mobile app, like Nurse Backpack. Or you may choose to keep track of CE credits as you earn them in a simple Google Doc or spreadsheet. Companies that offer CE courses usually offer a place to keep track of all your CE in one place as well as on their site.

How do I keep my TN Nursing license active?

In Tennessee, RNs must complete five contact hours of CE every two years. If you're not currently practicing, you must complete 10 contact hours instead. The Tennessee Board of Nursing or accredited organizations such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) must approve all CE activities.

What happens if you don't do Nursing CEUs?

If you don't complete required nursing CEUs (Continuing Education Units), your nursing license renewal will be delayed or denied, potentially leading to license suspension or even revocation, fines, and legal issues, as you'd be unable to legally practice until deficiencies are met; you must proactively fulfill your state's specific CE requirements to avoid serious career repercussions.
 

WHAT IS A NURSING CE CONTACT HOUR? 🤔

How many hours is 1 CE worth?

1 CE (Continuing Education) credit is typically worth 1 contact hour, meaning about 50-60 minutes of participation in a learning activity, though definitions vary by profession; for example, 1 CEU (Continuing Education Unit) equals 10 contact hours, while some fields like social work use "CE" as a general term for an hour of learning. Always check with your specific licensing board or organization, as they define the standards (e.g., ASHA uses 50 mins for 1 CE, while others might count 1 hour as 1 credit). 

What is required to renew a nursing license in TN?

Registered Nurse (RN) and Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

RNs and LPNs will need to renew their licenses every two years. These nurses are required to have a combination of two of the following requirements: Five hours of continuing education and 10 hours if not practicing. Copy of satisfactory employer evaluation.

Which state is hardest to get an RN license?

California, New York, and Hawaii are often cited as having the hardest nursing license processes due to long processing times, extensive documentation (like fingerprints/background checks), and being non-compact states, meaning no license portability; other states like Maryland and Ohio also present challenges with stringent requirements and delays, while Florida has lower NCLEX pass rates, indicating educational preparedness issues rather than application hurdles.
 

How do I go back to Nursing after a long break?

To get back into nursing after a break, you need to reactivate your license, take a refresher course or continuing education (CE) to update skills (like CPR/ACLS), network with peers, revamp your resume with new certifications, and consider a slower start with part-time or transitional roles (like school or home health) to build confidence before returning to a full-time hospital setting. 

Does 1 hour equal 1 CEU?

No, 1 CEU (Continuing Education Unit) typically does not equal 1 hour; instead, 1 CEU usually equals 10 contact hours (or 600 minutes) of instruction, though this can vary by profession, with some fields like nursing or ASHA (Speech-Language Hearing Association) having their own specific definitions, sometimes breaking it down into 0.1 CEU per hour. Always check with your specific licensing board or organization for their exact conversion, as they might use "contact hours," "PDUs," or simply "CEs," which might be a 1:1 ratio. 

What are good signs you passed your NCLEX?

Good signs you passed the NCLEX include the Pearson VUE "good pop-up," no new Authorization to Test (ATT) being issued, seeing your name on your State Board of Nursing's license verification with an active RN/LPN status, and getting a "Nurse of the Future" title. While the only definitive proof is official notification from your board, these indicators, along with feeling confident and getting difficult questions, suggest a positive outcome.
 

Are online nursing CEUs accepted?

Yes, online nursing CEUs (Continuing Education Units) are widely accepted by state boards of nursing, especially from ANCC-accredited providers, but you must ensure the courses are from a nationally recognized accredited source (like ANCC) and meet your specific state's requirements for acceptance, as some states (like California) may have exceptions or unique rules. Most online platforms offer instant certificates and are designed to be convenient, but always verify your state's board website for approved providers and course types. 

How do I check my CE credits in TN?

Activating your free Basic Account provided to you by your board is a simple 3-step process.

1. 1 | Visit https://cebroker.com/tn/account/basic/
2. 2| Next, enter your license number.
3. 3| Then, start tracking your continuing education!

What is the hourly rate for a RN in Tennessee?

How much does a Rn make in Tennessee? As of Jan 12, 2026, the average annual pay for a Rn in Tennessee is $79,750 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $38.34 an hour.

What happens if I don't do my continuing education?

If you don't do continuing education (CE), you risk license suspension, expiration, or revocation, meaning you can't legally practice, plus potential fines, reputational damage, and missed career growth, as CE keeps professionals updated on industry changes and best practices. Consequences escalate from inactive/delinquent status to full cancellation, requiring exams and new applications to regain licensure. 

Do nurses make $100,000 a year?

Yes, many nurses, especially experienced ones, those in high-demand specialties, advanced practice roles (like Nurse Practitioners or Anesthetists), or those in high-paying states (like California, Hawaii), earn over $100,000 a year, with some roles averaging well above that, though the overall national median for Registered Nurses (RNs) is slightly below $100k. Factors like location, experience, education (BSN vs. Master's), and specialty significantly impact earning potential.
 

What is the easiest RN?

Examples of low-stress nursing positions include school nurse, nurse researcher, case management nurse, and more. Work-life balance benefits—such as no night shifts, weekends, or holidays—are a major factor in what makes these jobs less stressful compared to hospital bedside roles.

What state pays RN the most money?

California consistently ranks as the highest-paying state for Registered Nurses (RNs), with average salaries often exceeding $130,000-$140,000 annually, followed by Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska, though specific figures vary by source and year, with cost of living adjustments also influencing rankings.
 

Does TN require continuing education for nurses?

As a nurse in the state of Tennessee, you are required to earn continuing education to renew your active license. All of our CE activities are accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

What is the best time to go with renewal of existing licence?

The best time to renew your driver's license is early, ideally within the 60-90 days before expiration or up to a year in advance, depending on your state, to avoid penalties, allow for online renewal if eligible, and prevent issues like travel disruptions, with specific times like mid-week mornings often best for in-person visits to avoid crowds. Renewing early ensures you don't drive with an expired license, which can lead to fines, and gives you time to get your new card before needing it, say. 

What is the easiest state to get a nursing license?

The "easiest" state to get a nursing license often means quick processing and streamlined requirements, with Arizona, Georgia, Texas, Tennessee, and Florida frequently cited for their efficient online systems, Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) membership, and good support for new nurses, while states like Hawaii and those with on-the-spot temp licenses like South Carolina are known for speed, though California is notoriously slower. 

What is an unlicensed nurse called?

UAPs, also known as nursing assistants, nursing aides, or patient care technicians, assist patients with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, feeding, and toileting.

How many hours is 1 CEU worth?

One Continuing Education Unit (CEU) is typically worth 10 contact hours (or 600 minutes) of organized instruction, according to standards set by organizations like the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET), though some fields or specific providers might use slightly different calculations or definitions (like a "contact hour" being 50-60 minutes). This means 10 hours of training equals 1 CEU, and shorter sessions are often awarded in tenths (e.g., 0.1 CEU for 1 hour, 0.15 CEU for 90 minutes). 

Where to do free nursing CEUs?

Nurse.com offers a vast array of free CE courses to help you meet your nursing continuing education contact hour requirements. Our free continuing education for nurses is offered across a wide variety of clinical and professional development topics and is designed to help nurses meet state CE contact hour requirements.