13 nursing jobs in Bristol, TN
Straddling the state line down State Street, Bristol anchors Appalachian mountain living with a cost of living about 14% below the national average. Trade high metro rent for fly-fishing South Holston Lake, downtown bluegrass, and scenic ridge hikes—all while keeping your clinical career rooted in a tight-knit community where your nursing paycheck stretches further.
Also hiring: Bristol, PA (32)
Find a nursing job in Bristol
Hiring here: Select Specialty Hospital - TriCities (3) · American House Senior Living Communities (2) · Fresenius Medical Care (2) · BRISTOL TENNESSEE CITY SCHOOLS (1) · Ballad Health (1) · Encompass Health (1)
- RN
- 8-hour days
- Sign-on bonus
- RN
- Day shift
- Per diem
- Sign-on bonus
- LPN
- This is a full-time role, covering days and some weekends.
ICU RN
$1,883–$2,003/week
- RN
- Travel contract
- CEU allowance
- Sign-on bonus
- RN
- Night shift
- Sign-on bonus
- LPN
- Day shift
- Sign-on bonus
- RN
- Night shift
- Per diem
Working and living in Bristol
· 13 open roles
Living costs
- Median gross rent
- $842/mo
- Rent and tenant-paid utilities
- Median household income
- $58,162/yr
- All local households, not nurse pay
New to our board this week
2 current postings first appeared here in the past seven days.
Credentials accepted
- RN11
- LPN3
One posting may accept more than one credential.
Shifts listed
- Days6
- Nights2
- per-diem1
Postings may list several shifts or leave the shift unspecified.
Living in Bristol
Straddling the state line where State Street divides Tennessee and Virginia, Bristol is a culturally distinctive Appalachian city defined by deep roots and an unhurried lifestyle.
More about life hereShow less
Widely recognized as the Birthplace of Country Music for the historic 1927 Bristol Sessions, the city blends its rich acoustic heritage with thunderous modern entertainment at Bristol Motor Speedway and the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. For relocating nurses, Bristol provides a peaceful community base with manageable commutes along Interstate 81 to regional medical hubs in Johnson City and Kingsport.
Housing options range from charming lofts in the historic core to quiet neighborhoods like Fairmount and family-centric areas around Avoca. On days off, outdoor recreation abounds at Steele Creek Park and South Holston Lake, balanced by farm-to-table dining at Union 41 and baked treats at Blackbird Bakery.
While nightlife and retail are more modest than in larger metropolitan areas, nurses moving here gain clean mountain air, no state income tax on the Tennessee side, and a genuine, supportive community feel.
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Neighborhoods
Residential choices in Bristol cater to varying paces of life, from historic urban centers to quiet country acreage. Downtown Bristol offers restored historic properties and lofts within walking distance of State Street's dining, museums, and nightlife.
Established residential areas like Fairmount feature quiet, tree-lined streets with older character homes situated close to local schools and shopping corridors. For suburban convenience, the Avoca area provides family-friendly subdivisions with direct access to major thoroughfares, while neighborhoods like Belle Brook Estates feature mid-century single-family properties.
Those seeking acreage and scenic mountain backdrops often gravitate toward rural Bristol and the surrounding countryside near Bluff City.
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Housing
Bristol's housing landscape provides options ranging from downtown multi-family lofts to suburban subdivisions and rural homesteads. The market is viewed as more approachable than larger Tennessee cities like Nashville or Knoxville, with options spanning older starter homes in established neighborhoods, mid-century ranches, and newer custom developments.
Renters find options in converted downtown buildings and residential complexes around the Avoca district, while buyers looking for open land find larger lots with mountain views in the countryside just outside municipal boundaries.
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Getting around
Commuting in Bristol is defined by light traffic and regional highway connectivity. The city sits directly on the state border along Interstate 81, providing straightforward driving routes to regional medical facilities and employers across Sullivan County.
Medical centers in neighboring Tri-Cities hubs like Johnson City and Kingsport are typically a 20- to 25-minute highway drive away, offering a manageable commute for healthcare workers traveling between facilities. Public transit options are sparse, making personal vehicles essential for hospital shifts and inter-city travel.
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Food and dining
Bristol's dining scene mixes southern staples, regional bakeries, and high-profile culinary spots clustered around State Street and retail hubs. Highlighting the local scene is Union 41, set in a historic Art Deco Greyhound bus station, and Hickory at Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards for elevated regional fare.
Downtown favorites include casual staples like Burger Bar, breakfast at Bloom and Bristol Bagel, Southern cooking at Eatz, and desserts from Blackbird Bakery and Southern Churn. The regional retail center at The Pinnacle off Interstate 81 adds a broad mix of sit-down establishments like 620 State and Aubrey's, while local craft beverages flow at Cascade Draft House, Lost State Distilling, and Michael Waltrip Brewing.
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Outdoors
Outdoor recreation is a major draw in the Appalachian Highlands surrounding Bristol. Steele Creek Park and Nature Center offers miles of wooded hiking and biking trails, a municipal golf course, and a lake, while nearby Sugar Hollow Park features multi-use athletic complexes and disc golf.
Water sports and championship fly fishing are centered around South Holston Lake and Dam, recognized nationally as an exceptional trout fishery. Underground exploration is also close at hand through Bristol Caverns and Appalachian Caverns, giving outdoor enthusiasts year-round activity options.
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Arts and culture
Celebrated as the Birthplace of Country Music stemming from the landmark 1927 Bristol Sessions, the city centers its cultural life on live roots music and regional arts. Downtown's Birthplace of Country Music Museum and the historic Paramount Theater host regular performances, culminating annually in the large-scale Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion festival.
High-energy entertainment is anchored by the world-famous Bristol Motor Speedway, hosting major NASCAR events, alongside gaming, dining, and live concerts at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol.
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Seasons and weather
Bristol experiences four distinct seasons typical of the Southern Appalachian mountain valley. Summers are warm and humid, moderated somewhat by the elevation, making lake outings and park trails popular.
Autumn brings vibrant mountain foliage and comfortable temperatures, while winters are generally mild compared to northern states, bringing occasional snow and colder stretches that rarely disrupt daily routines for long.
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For families
Bristol provides a close-knit, family-oriented environment served by the city's public school system along with regional private educational options. Neighborhoods such as Fairmount and Avoca are popular with families due to their quiet streets, proximity to parks, and short drives to elementary and secondary campuses.
Regional higher education institutions, including Northeast State Community College and East Tennessee State University, sit within easy driving distance across the Tri-Cities area.
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What locals say
Residents consistently praise Bristol for its friendly community atmosphere, peaceful pace, and deep musical heritage, often describing it as a hidden gem compared to larger Tennessee metros. Relocating professionals value the lack of a state income tax on the Tennessee side and the easy access to clean outdoor areas like South Holston Lake.
On the downside, community discussions highlight a more limited local job market outside healthcare and manufacturing, as well as a slower nightlife scene outside of historic downtown and race weekends.