Nurse Caught Impersonating Licensed Professional, Diverting Opioids

In a concerning case of professional misconduct, a Tennessee nurse named Elizabeth Rainwater is now facing serious legal consequences. According to the article, Rainwater had her nursing license taken away on two separate occasions after she was caught diverting opioids from medical facilities. However, despite these suspensions, she continued to practice as a nurse, even working at a nursing home in Franklin, Tennessee.

In November 2025, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation received a tip from the state's Department of Health that Rainwater was still practicing despite having surrendered her license in August 2024. Authorities then discovered that during her time at the nursing home, Rainwater had diverted controlled substances, including opioids, from residents.

As a result, a Williamson County Grand Jury indicted Rainwater in June 2025 on a charge of impersonating a licensed professional and 19 counts of obtaining a controlled substance. She was arrested three months later, in September 2025, with the help of various law enforcement agencies.

Rainwater's history of substance abuse issues and license suspensions dates back to 2007, when she first admitted to diverting opioids from a medical facility. She was placed on probation and given the opportunity to address her issues, but it appears she continued to struggle with addiction and abuse her position as a nurse.