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Associate Rn Jobs in Athens, TN (NOW HIRING)

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Associate Rn information

See Athens, TN salary details

$18.8K

$48.3K

$69.9K

How much do associate rn jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate rn in Athens, TN is $48,256.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32,300.00 and $61,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Associate RN, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate RN, you need a solid grounding in clinical nursing practices, patient care, and a current registered nursing license, typically earned through an associate degree in nursing (ADN). Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), basic medical equipment, and hospital protocols is essential. Strong communication, teamwork, and empathy are vital soft skills to provide effective patient support and collaborate with healthcare teams. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and compassionate care, which is critical to patient outcomes and healthcare delivery.

What are some common challenges faced by Associate RNs when transitioning from school to a clinical setting?

Associate RNs often encounter challenges such as managing a fast-paced workload, adapting to shift work, and handling high patient acuity during their transition from academic to clinical environments. Building confidence in clinical decision-making and prioritizing patient care tasks while collaborating with interdisciplinary teams are key hurdles. Many new RNs find that seeking mentorship, utilizing orientation programs, and actively communicating with experienced nurses can greatly ease this transition and promote professional growth.

What are Associate RNs?

Associate RNs are registered nurses who have earned an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), typically through a two-year college program. They are fully licensed to practice as registered nurses after passing the NCLEX-RN exam. Associate RNs perform many of the same duties as nurses with a bachelor's degree, including patient care, administering medications, and collaborating with healthcare teams. While some employers may prefer or require a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Associate RNs are qualified for a wide range of nursing positions, especially in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.

What is the difference between Associate Rn vs Licensed Practical Nurse?

AspectAssociate RnLicensed Practical Nurse
Required CredentialsAssociate Degree in Nursing (ADN), RN licensePractical Nursing diploma or certificate, LPN license
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, long-term care, outpatient facilitiesLong-term care, nursing homes, clinics, hospitals
Job ResponsibilitiesAssessments, care planning, administering medications, patient educationBasic patient care, vital signs, medication administration under supervision

The main difference between an Associate Rn and a Licensed Practical Nurse is the level of education and scope of practice. RNs typically hold an associate degree and have a broader scope of responsibilities, including care planning and assessments. LPNs have a practical nursing diploma and focus on basic patient care under supervision. Both roles are vital in healthcare settings, but RNs generally have more advanced training and responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Rn jobs in Athens, TN? The most popular types of Rn jobs in Athens, TN are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Rn jobs in Athens, TN? For Associate Rn jobs in Athens, TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Athens, TN are hiring for Associate Rn jobs? Cities near Athens, TN with the most Associate Rn job openings:
Registered Nurse (RN) Medical-Surgical

Registered Nurse (RN) Medical-Surgical

Lifepoint Health

Athens, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


LifePoint Health rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 257 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

740th of 864 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Job Description
Starr Regional Medical Center
Registered Nurse (RN), Med Surge
Job Type: Full-Time | Nights 7:00 pm-7:00 am, rotating weekends.
$20,000 Sign-On Bonus available for qualified applicants
Your experience matters
Starr Regional Medical Center is part of Lifepoint Health, a diversified healthcare delivery network with facilities coast to coast. We are driven by a profound commitment to prioritize your well-being so you can provide exceptional care to others. As a Registered Nurse (RN) joining our team, you're embracing a vital mission dedicated to making communities healthier ®. Join us on this meaningful journey where your skills, compassion and dedication will make a remarkable difference in the lives of those we serve.
More about our team
We have a great culture here. Most employees that work here at STARR have been here for many years. We have a brand new ICU. Set schedules and rotations is something our team enjoys.
How you'll contribute
A Med Surge RN who excels in this role:
  • Performs initial and ongoing assessments of patient's condition.
  • Establishes a plan of care which is appropriate to problems identified and involves the patient according to his or her capabilities and desires.
  • Supervises and mentors nursing and support staff during assigned shift.
  • Assists in determining staffing levels and assignments based on staff availability, staff abilities, census, patient acuity and work/patient flow.
  • Provides direct patient care as needed.
  • Floats between staff to assist with problem-solving.
  • Takes patient assignments to meet staffing needs.
  • Evaluates the effectiveness of patient care and identifies any issues that affect desired patient outcomes.
  • Responds to complaints about patient care and related services, and manages through established channels.
  • Performs role-specific duties as assigned, including entering orders, performing admissions or discharges, and coordinating transfers.
  • Ensures staff has necessary equipment and supplies to provide safe, quality patient care.

Why join us
We believe that investing in our employees is the first step to providing excellent patient care. In addition to your base compensation, this position also offers:
  • Comprehensive Benefits: Multiple levels of medical, dental and vision coverage for full-time and part-time employees.
  • Financial Protection & PTO: Life, accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity insurance, short- and long-term disability, paid family leave and paid time off.
  • Financial & Career Growth: Higher education and certification tuition assistance, loan assistance and 401(k) retirement package and company match.
  • Employee Well-being: Mental, physical, and financial wellness programs (free gym memberships, virtual care appointments, mental health services and discount programs).
  • Professional Development: Ongoing learning and career advancement opportunities.

What we're looking for
  • Education: Associate's degree required. BSN preferred.
  • Required Skills: Requires critical thinking skills, decisive judgment and the ability to work with minimal supervision. Must be able to work in a stressful environment and take appropriate action.
  • Certifications: Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification is required at the time of hire, Pediatric Advanced Life Support required within 6 months of hire or department transfer
  • Licenses: Must be a licensed Registered Nurse with the State of Tennessee or a licensed Registered Nurse from a Compact State with the proper Tennessee paperwork filed within 30 days of hire.

More about Starr Regional Medical Center:
Starr Regional Medical Center is a 118-bed acute hospital that has been offering exceptional care to the Athens and Etowah, TN community for over 50 years.
EEOC Statement
"Starr Reginal Medical Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Starr Regional Medical Center and Starr Regional Health and Rehab are committed to Equal Employment Opportunity for all applicants and employees and complies with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination and harassment in employment."
Lifepoint Health is a leader in community-based care and driven by a mission of Making Communities Healthier. Our diversified healthcare delivery network spans 29 states and includes 63 community hospital campuses, 32 rehabilitation and behavioral health hospitals, and more than 170 additional sites of care across the healthcare continuum, such as acute rehabilitation units, outpatient centers and post-acute care facilities. We believe that success is achieved through talented people. We want to create places where employees want to work, with opportunities to pursue meaningful and satisfying careers that truly make a difference in communities across the country.

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About LifePoint Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Lifepoint Health serves patients, clinicians, communities and partners across the healthcare continuum. Our diversified healthcare delivery network extends from coast to coast, consisting of community hospitals, rehabilitation and behavioral health hospitals, and additional sites of care.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Brentwood, TN, US

Year founded

1999

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