Best Hospitals to Work for in Tennessee

Best Hospitals to Work for in Tennessee

🏥 Top Hospitals for Employment in Tennessee (2025)

1. Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC)

  • Location: Nashville, TN
  • Highlights:
    • Ranked #1 in Tennessee and Nashville by U.S. News & World Report.
    • Nationally ranked in 7 adult and 10 pediatric specialties.
    • Magnet-designated, reflecting nursing excellence.
    • Received an “A” safety grade from The Leapfrog Group.
    • Recognized among Forbes’ Best-in-State Employers.

2. Maury Regional Medical Center

  • Location: Columbia, TN
  • Highlights:
    • Achieved Magnet designation in 2025, one of only eight hospitals in Tennessee with this recognition.
    • Earned an “A” grade in The Leapfrog Group's Spring 2025 Hospital Safety Ratings.
    • Offers advanced services, including a cancer center and heart program.

3. Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital

  • Location: Memphis, TN
  • Highlights:
    • Recognized as a “Best Children's Hospital” by U.S. News & World Report for 14 consecutive years.
    • Nationally ranked in eight pediatric specialties.
    • Magnet-designated, emphasizing high-quality nursing care.
    • Serves as the primary pediatric teaching affiliate for the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.Home

4. Methodist North Hospital

  • Location: Memphis, TN
  • Highlights:
    • Reaffirmed Magnet designation in 2024, the only adult hospital in West Tennessee with this status.
    • Part of the Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare system, known for exceptional nursing care.
    • Offers comprehensive medical and surgical services.

5. Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt

  • Location: Nashville, TN
  • Highlights:
    • Ranked No. 1 children's hospital in Tennessee and the Southeast by U.S. News & World Report.
    • Nationally ranked in 10 pediatric specialties.
    • Magnet-designated, reflecting excellence in pediatric nursing care.
    • Level I Pediatric Trauma Center, providing comprehensive emergency services.VUMC NewsHome

6. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

  • Location: Memphis, TN
  • Highlights:
    • Magnet-designated, indicating superior nursing practices.
    • Internationally renowned for treating childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
    • Provides care without charging patients for treatment, travel, housing, or meals.
    • Recognized among the top children's cancer hospitals by U.S. News & World Report.

7. University of Tennessee Medical Center

  • Location: Knoxville, TN
  • Highlights:
    • Magnet-designated, showcasing commitment to nursing excellence.
    • Level I Trauma Center and primary referral center for the region.
    • Certified as a Comprehensive Cardiac Center and Comprehensive Stroke Center by The Joint Commission.
    • Ranked #4 regionally by U.S. News & World Report.

🌟 What Defines a Leading Hospital in Tennessee?

Comprehensive Benefits

Top hospitals offer more than competitive salaries. They provide comprehensive benefits, including:

  • Flexible scheduling
  • On-site childcare services
  • Wellness and mental health programs
  • Tuition reimbursement for continued educationOnly In Your State

Career Growth Opportunities

Hospitals committed to professional development offer:

  • Tuition assistance programs
  • Leadership training
  • Clear pathways for career advancement

Employee Satisfaction

Facilities that prioritize employee well-being often see:

Patient Satisfaction

High patient satisfaction is a hallmark of top hospitals, reflecting:

  • Quality care
  • Effective communication
  • Compassionate service

Commitment to Safety

Hospitals with exemplary safety records:

  • Implement stringent infection control measures
  • Regularly train staff on safety protocols
  • Continuously monitor and improve patient safety metrics

Technological Advancements

Leading hospitals invest in:

  • State-of-the-art medical equipment
  • Electronic health records systems
  • Telemedicine capabilities

Ethical Standards

Top hospitals uphold high ethical standards by:

  • Ensuring equitable access to care
  • Maintaining transparency in operations
  • Fostering a culture of integrity

âś… Next Steps for Aspiring Nurses in Tennessee

Craft a Compelling Resume

Highlight your skills, experiences, and certifications. Tailor your resume to align with the specific hospital's values and requirements.

Join Professional Nursing Associations

Organizations like the Tennessee Nurses Association offer networking opportunities, resources, and advocacy for nursing professionals.

Engage in Continuing Education

Stay updated with the latest in nursing practices by attending workshops, seminars, and pursuing advanced certifications.

Explore Job Opportunities

Utilize platforms like GoodWork to discover nursing positions across Tennessee's top hospitals.

Understand Licensing Requirements

If you're moving to Tennessee, familiarize yourself with the state's nursing licensure process. Tennessee is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), allowing nurses from other compact states to practice without obtaining additional licenses.


Embarking on a nursing career in Tennessee offers a blend of professional growth, supportive work environments, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in patients' lives. With its array of top-tier hospitals, the state stands as a beacon for nursing excellence.

Explore current nursing opportunities in Tennessee: GoodWork Jobs

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