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  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_HemetCAMember" name="HemetCAMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_HendersonvilleTnMember" name="HendersonvilleTnMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_HolidayAcquisitionHoldingsMember" name="HolidayAcquisitionHoldingsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_HolyokeMAMember" name="HolyokeMAMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_HospitalMember" name="HospitalMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_HoustonTxMember" name="HoustonTxMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_HudsonFlMember" name="HudsonFlMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_HugoMnMember" name="HugoMnMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_IncentiveStockOptionGrantedTermPeriod" name="IncentiveStockOptionGrantedTermPeriod" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_IncomeTaxesAbstract" name="IncomeTaxesAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_IncomeTaxesLineItems" name="IncomeTaxesLineItems" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_IncomeTaxesTable" name="IncomeTaxesTable" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_IndependentLivingFacilityMember" name="IndependentLivingFacilityMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_InitialBickfordLOCCommitmentAmountMember" name="InitialBickfordLOCCommitmentAmountMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_InitialLeaseAmount" name="InitialLeaseAmount" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_InitialLeaseRate" name="InitialLeaseRate" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_InterestRateSwapDateEnteredJune2013Member" name="InterestRateSwapDateEnteredJune2013Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_InterestRateSwapDateEnteredMarch2014Member" name="InterestRateSwapDateEnteredMarch2014Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_InterestRateSwapDateEnteredMay2012Member" name="InterestRateSwapDateEnteredMay2012Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_InvestmentAndOtherGainsAbstract" name="InvestmentAndOtherGainsAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_InvestmentAndOtherGainsTextBlock" name="InvestmentAndOtherGainsTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_InvestmentInCumulativePreferredStock" name="InvestmentInCumulativePreferredStock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_InvestmentInPreferredStockAtCostAbstract" name="InvestmentInPreferredStockAtCostAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_IowaCityIaMember" name="IowaCityIaMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_JacksonKyMember" name="JacksonKyMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_JohnsonCityTnMember" name="JohnsonCityTnMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_JointVentureContributedPropertiesOwnershipInterestRetained" name="JointVentureContributedPropertiesOwnershipInterestRetained" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_JointVentureContributedPropertiesOwnershipInterestSurrendered" name="JointVentureContributedPropertiesOwnershipInterestSurrendered" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_JoplinMoMember" name="JoplinMoMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_KennerLAMember" name="KennerLAMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_KennettMoMember" name="KennettMoMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_KentuckyRiverCommitmentMember" name="KentuckyRiverCommitmentMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_KingsportTnMember" name="KingsportTnMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_KyleTxMember" name="KyleTxMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_LCSMasterCreditAgreementMember" name="LCSMasterCreditAgreementMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_LaMesaCaMember" name="LaMesaCaMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_LafayetteInMember" name="LafayetteInMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_LakelandFlMember" name="LakelandFlMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_LansingMiMember" name="LansingMiMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_LaurelForkVAMember" name="LaurelForkVAMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_LaurensScMember" name="LaurensScMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_LawrenburgTnMember" name="LawrenburgTnMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_LeaseEscalatorRateAfterLeaseYear3" name="LeaseEscalatorRateAfterLeaseYear3" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_LeaseEscalatorRateFromLeaseYear1toLeaseYear3" name="LeaseEscalatorRateFromLeaseYear1toLeaseYear3" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_LeaseEscalatorRateLeaseYear2toLeaseYear4" name="LeaseEscalatorRateLeaseYear2toLeaseYear4" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_LeaseEscalatorRateafterLeaseYear4" name="LeaseEscalatorRateafterLeaseYear4" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_LeaseEscrowDepositsAxis" name="LeaseEscrowDepositsAxis" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_LeaseEscrowDepositsPurposeDomain" name="LeaseEscrowDepositsPurposeDomain" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_LeaseIncentiveCommitmentAssessedAsNotProbable" name="LeaseIncentiveCommitmentAssessedAsNotProbable" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_LeaseInducementPaymentFirstInstallmentYear" name="LeaseInducementPaymentFirstInstallmentYear" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:dateStringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_LeaseInducementPaymentSecondInstallmentYear" name="LeaseInducementPaymentSecondInstallmentYear" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:dateStringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_LeaseInducementPaymentThirdInstallmentYear" name="LeaseInducementPaymentThirdInstallmentYear" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:dateStringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_LeaseSecurityMember" name="LeaseSecurityMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_LewisburgTnMember" name="LewisburgTnMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_LexingtonVAMember" name="LexingtonVAMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_LiabilitiesMeasuredAtFairValueLevel3ReconciliationTableAbstract" name="LiabilitiesMeasuredAtFairValueLevel3ReconciliationTableAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_LimitsOnCommonStockOwnershipAbstract" name="LimitsOnCommonStockOwnershipAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_LimitsOnCommonStockOwnershipTextBlock" name="LimitsOnCommonStockOwnershipTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_LincolnNEMember" name="LincolnNEMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_LoanTerm" name="LoanTerm" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_LoanandLeaseLossesandRecoveriesNet" name="LoanandLeaseLossesandRecoveriesNet" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_LoansAndLeasesReceivableCommitmentFixedRatesEscalatorBasisPoints" name="LoansAndLeasesReceivableCommitmentFixedRatesEscalatorBasisPoints" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:pureItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_LoansandLeaseReceivableMaximumRevolvingAmount" name="LoansandLeaseReceivableMaximumRevolvingAmount" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_LomaLindaCaMember" name="LomaLindaCaMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_MaitlandFlMember" name="MaitlandFlMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_ManchesterNHMember" name="ManchesterNHMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_MaplewoodMnMember" name="MaplewoodMnMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_MarshalltownIAMember" name="MarshalltownIAMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_MarylandHeightsMoMember" name="MarylandHeightsMoMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_MarysvilleOHMember" name="MarysvilleOHMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_MaximumCommitmentForAllActiveDevelopmentProjects" name="MaximumCommitmentForAllActiveDevelopmentProjects" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_McminnvilleTnMember" name="McminnvilleTnMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_MedicalOfficeBuildingMember" name="MedicalOfficeBuildingMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_MercedCAMember" name="MercedCAMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_MerrittIslandFlMember" name="MerrittIslandFlMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_MesaAzMember" name="MesaAzMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_MesquiteTxMember" name="MesquiteTxMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_MiddletownOHMember" name="MiddletownOHMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_MidlandMiMember" name="MidlandMiMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_MilanTnMember" name="MilanTnMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_MilwaukieORMember" name="MilwaukieORMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_MindenLaMember" name="MindenLaMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_MinimumAnnualLeaseIncome" name="MinimumAnnualLeaseIncome" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_MissionKsMember" name="MissionKsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_ModestoCAMember" name="ModestoCAMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_MolineILMember" name="MolineILMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_MortgageAndOtherNotesReceivableOriginalFaceAmount" name="MortgageAndOtherNotesReceivableOriginalFaceAmount" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateFinalMaturityDateYear" name="MortgageLoansOnRealEstateFinalMaturityDateYear" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:dateStringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateImpairment" name="MortgageLoansOnRealEstateImpairment" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateTotalAdditions" name="MortgageLoansOnRealEstateTotalAdditions" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateTotalDeductions" name="MortgageLoansOnRealEstateTotalDeductions" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_MortgageNotePrincipalMember" name="MortgageNotePrincipalMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_MoultonAlMember" name="MoultonAlMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_Mt.AiryNCMember" name="Mt.AiryNCMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_MurfreesboroTnMember" name="MurfreesboroTnMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_MuscatineIAMember" name="MuscatineIAMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_MyrtleBeachSCMember" name="MyrtleBeachSCMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_NHC1991LeaseMember" name="NHC1991LeaseMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_NHC2013LeaseMember" name="NHC2013LeaseMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_NampaIdMember" name="NampaIdMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_NaplesFLMember" name="NaplesFLMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_NationalHealthcareCorporationMember" name="NationalHealthcareCorporationMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_NetAssetsReceivedInAcquisitionofEquityMethodInvestee" name="NetAssetsReceivedInAcquisitionofEquityMethodInvestee" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_NewPortRicheyFlMember" name="NewPortRicheyFlMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_NewRealEstateInvestmentsAbstract" name="NewRealEstateInvestmentsAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_NewRealEstateInvestmentsTableTextBlock" name="NewRealEstateInvestmentsTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_NewbergORMember" name="NewbergORMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_NineteenNinetySevenPlanMember" name="NineteenNinetySevenPlanMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_NonportfolioAssetsOriginalCost" name="NonportfolioAssetsOriginalCost" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_NonvotingConvertiblePreferredStock" name="NonvotingConvertiblePreferredStock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_NorthBranchMnMember" name="NorthBranchMnMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_NotSecuredByRealEstateMember" name="NotSecuredByRealEstateMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_NoteAMember" name="NoteAMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_NoteBMember" name="NoteBMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_NoteReceivableAmountFundedAtClosingMasterCreditAgreement" name="NoteReceivableAmountFundedAtClosingMasterCreditAgreement" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_NoteReceivableExpectedFundingPeriod" name="NoteReceivableExpectedFundingPeriod" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_NoteReceivableFirstNoteYearForRateEscalator" name="NoteReceivableFirstNoteYearForRateEscalator" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:dateStringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_NoteReceivableInterestRate" name="NoteReceivableInterestRate" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_NoteReceivablePrepaymentAllowancePeriodMasterCreditAgreement" name="NoteReceivablePrepaymentAllowancePeriodMasterCreditAgreement" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_NoteReceivablePrepaymentDisallowancePeriod" name="NoteReceivablePrepaymentDisallowancePeriod" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_NoteReceivablePrepaymentPenaltyRate" name="NoteReceivablePrepaymentPenaltyRate" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_NoteReceivablePrepaymentPenaltyRateDecrease" name="NoteReceivablePrepaymentPenaltyRateDecrease" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_NoteReceivableRenewalTerm" name="NoteReceivableRenewalTerm" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:durationStringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_NotesReceivableInterestRateMasterCreditAgreement" name="NotesReceivableInterestRateMasterCreditAgreement" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_NotesReceivableNumberOfLoansMasterCreditAgreement" name="NotesReceivableNumberOfLoansMasterCreditAgreement" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:pureItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_NotesReceivableTotalBorrowingsMasterCreditAgreement" name="NotesReceivableTotalBorrowingsMasterCreditAgreement" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_NumberOfAdditionalLeaseRenewalOptions" name="NumberOfAdditionalLeaseRenewalOptions" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_NumberOfHealthCarePropertiesRelatedToMortgageNotesReceivables" name="NumberOfHealthCarePropertiesRelatedToMortgageNotesReceivables" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_NumberOfLessees" name="NumberOfLessees" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesAcquired" name="NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesAcquired" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesToBeConstructed" name="NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesToBeConstructed" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_NumberofLeaseInducementPayments" name="NumberofLeaseInducementPayments" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:pureItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_NumberofMasterLeases" name="NumberofMasterLeases" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_NumberofPurchaseOptionYearsatEndofLeaseTerm" name="NumberofPurchaseOptionYearsatEndofLeaseTerm" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:durationStringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_NumberofRealEstatePropertiesMortgageSecurity" name="NumberofRealEstatePropertiesMortgageSecurity" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_NumberofTermLoans" name="NumberofTermLoans" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:pureItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_NumberofYearsUntilLeaseEscalatorChanges" name="NumberofYearsUntilLeaseEscalatorChanges" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_OcalaFlMember" name="OcalaFlMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_OmahaNEMember" name="OmahaNEMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_OntarioOrMember" name="OntarioOrMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_OrangeburgScMember" name="OrangeburgScMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_OrdinaryIncomeMember" name="OrdinaryIncomeMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_OriginalCostOfCostMethodInvestments" name="OriginalCostOfCostMethodInvestments" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_OtherthanTaxableREITSubsidiaryMember" name="OtherthanTaxableREITSubsidiaryMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_OverlandParkKsMember" name="OverlandParkKsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_OwatonnaMnMember" name="OwatonnaMnMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_ParisTxMember" name="ParisTxMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_PasadenaTxMember" name="PasadenaTxMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_PawleysIslandSCMember" name="PawleysIslandSCMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_Paymentsintofacilityrepairescrows" name="Paymentsintofacilityrepairescrows" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_PeoriaIlMember" name="PeoriaIlMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_PercentageOfContinuingRevenue" name="PercentageOfContinuingRevenue" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_PercentageRentRate" name="PercentageRentRate" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:decimalItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_PinoleCAMember" name="PinoleCAMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_PlantCityFlMember" name="PlantCityFlMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_PreferredDividendsMember" name="PreferredDividendsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_PrestigeSeniorLivingMember" name="PrestigeSeniorLivingMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_PropertyAdditionsThroughConveyanceOfNoncontrollingInterest" name="PropertyAdditionsThroughConveyanceOfNoncontrollingInterest" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_PropertyLocationAxis" name="PropertyLocationAxis" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_PropertyLocationCityStateDomain" name="PropertyLocationCityStateDomain" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_PulaskiTnMember" name="PulaskiTnMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_PurchaseOptionAmount" name="PurchaseOptionAmount" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_PurchaseOptionAmountMinimum" name="PurchaseOptionAmountMinimum" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_PurchaseOptionOpenPeriodBeginNoteYear" name="PurchaseOptionOpenPeriodBeginNoteYear" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_PurchaseOptionPeriodMonths" name="PurchaseOptionPeriodMonths" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_QuincyILMember" name="QuincyILMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_QuincyMAMember" name="QuincyMAMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_RainbowCityALMember" name="RainbowCityALMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDateAcquiredString" name="RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDateAcquiredString" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:dateStringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyPortfolioAssets" name="RealEstateInvestmentPropertyPortfolioAssets" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_RealEstateInvestmentsDuringThePeriod" name="RealEstateInvestmentsDuringThePeriod" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_RealEstatePurchaseLiabilities" name="RealEstatePurchaseLiabilities" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_RecoveryOfOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentMember" name="RecoveryOfOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_ReturnofCapitalMember" name="ReturnofCapitalMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_RevolvingNoteReceivableAmountOutstanding" name="RevolvingNoteReceivableAmountOutstanding" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_RevolvingNoteReceivableMaximumAmountAvailableforWorkingCapitalPurposes" name="RevolvingNoteReceivableMaximumAmountAvailableforWorkingCapitalPurposes" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_RockfordILMember" name="RockfordILMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_RogersARMember" name="RogersARMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_RosevilleCAMember" name="RosevilleCAMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_SacramentoCAMember" name="SacramentoCAMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_SaginawMiMember" name="SaginawMiMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_SanAntonioTxMember" name="SanAntonioTxMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_SantePartnersCommitmentMember" name="SantePartnersCommitmentMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_SantePartnersMember" name="SantePartnersMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_SavannahGAMember" name="SavannahGAMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_ScheduleIIIRealEstateandAccumulatedDepreciationAbstract" name="ScheduleIIIRealEstateandAccumulatedDepreciationAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_ScheduleIIValuationandQualifyingAccountsAbstract" name="ScheduleIIValuationandQualifyingAccountsAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_ScheduleIVMortgageLoansonRealEstateAbstract" name="ScheduleIVMortgageLoansonRealEstateAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_ScheduleOfDebtAbstract" name="ScheduleOfDebtAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_ScheduleofDividendsPaidPerShareTableTextBlock" name="ScheduleofDividendsPaidPerShareTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_ScheduleofInterestExpenseAbstract" name="ScheduleofInterestExpenseAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_ScheduleofInterestExpenseTableTextBlock" name="ScheduleofInterestExpenseTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_ScheduleofStockOptionValuationAssumptionsAbstract" name="ScheduleofStockOptionValuationAssumptionsAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_SecuredByRealEstateMember" name="SecuredByRealEstateMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_SecuredDebtOutstandingBalance" name="SecuredDebtOutstandingBalance" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_SelectedQuarterlyFinancialDataAbstract" name="SelectedQuarterlyFinancialDataAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_SeniorHousingCommunityMember" name="SeniorHousingCommunityMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_SeniorLivingCampusMember" name="SeniorLivingCampusMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_SeniorLivingCommunitiesMember" name="SeniorLivingCommunitiesMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_SeniorLivingManagementMember" name="SeniorLivingManagementMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_SeniortrustMember" name="SeniortrustMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_SettlementOfMortgageNoteByRealEstateAcquisition" name="SettlementOfMortgageNoteByRealEstateAcquisition" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedNumber" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedNumber" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedVestedInPeriod" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedVestedInPeriod" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_SignificantAcquisitionCostCash" name="SignificantAcquisitionCostCash" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_SignificantAcquisitionCostReceivableCancelled" name="SignificantAcquisitionCostReceivableCancelled" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_SignificantBusinessCombinationProformaAbstract" name="SignificantBusinessCombinationProformaAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_SignificantDevelopmentAndLeaseTransactions" name="SignificantDevelopmentAndLeaseTransactions" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_SilverdaleWaMember" name="SilverdaleWaMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_SkilledNursingFacilityMember" name="SkilledNursingFacilityMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_SmithvilleTnMember" name="SmithvilleTnMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_SomervilleTnMember" name="SomervilleTnMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_SpartaTnMember" name="SpartaTnMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_SpartanburgSCMember" name="SpartanburgSCMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_SpringfieldILMember" name="SpringfieldILMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_St.SimonsIslandGAMember" name="St.SimonsIslandGAMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_StCharlesMoMember" name="StCharlesMoMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_StCloudFlMember" name="StCloudFlMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_StuartFlMember" name="StuartFlMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_SubleasedFacilitiesMember" name="SubleasedFacilitiesMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_SubsequentPropertyAdditionsPurchasedFromNhcMember" name="SubsequentPropertyAdditionsPurchasedFromNhcMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_SummaryOfNhcPercentageRentDetailsAbstract" name="SummaryOfNhcPercentageRentDetailsAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_SummaryOfNhcPercentageRentTableTextBlock" name="SummaryOfNhcPercentageRentTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_SunriseSeniorLivingMember" name="SunriseSeniorLivingMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_SupplementalConstructionLoanCommitmentDraw" name="SupplementalConstructionLoanCommitmentDraw" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_TauntonMAMember" name="TauntonMAMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_TaxTreatmentOfCommonStockDividendsAxis" name="TaxTreatmentOfCommonStockDividendsAxis" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_TaxTreatmentOfCommonStockDividendsDomain" name="TaxTreatmentOfCommonStockDividendsDomain" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_TermLoansOutstandingBalance" name="TermLoansOutstandingBalance" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_TotalContinuingOperationsPropertiesMember" name="TotalContinuingOperationsPropertiesMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_TransitionalRehabilitationFacilityMember" name="TransitionalRehabilitationFacilityMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_TrentonFlMember" name="TrentonFlMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_TucsonAzMember" name="TucsonAzMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_TullahomaTnMember" name="TullahomaTnMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_TwoThousandFivePlanMember" name="TwoThousandFivePlanMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_TwoThousandFiveStockOptionPlanMember" name="TwoThousandFiveStockOptionPlanMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_TwoThousandTwelveStockOptionPlanMember" name="TwoThousandTwelveStockOptionPlanMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_UnstabilizedPortfolioMember" name="UnstabilizedPortfolioMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_UrbandaleIAMember" name="UrbandaleIAMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_VancouverWAMember" name="VancouverWAMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_VariableInterestRateDebtMember" name="VariableInterestRateDebtMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_VirginiaBeachVaMember" name="VirginiaBeachVaMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_VoorheesNJMember" name="VoorheesNJMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_WabashINMember" name="WabashINMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_WeatherlyAssociatesMember" name="WeatherlyAssociatesMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_WeiserIdMember" name="WeiserIdMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_WestCovinaCAMember" name="WestCovinaCAMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_WestMonroeLaMember" name="WestMonroeLaMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_WestPalmBeachFlMember" name="WestPalmBeachFlMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_WinstonSalemNCMember" name="WinstonSalemNCMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="nhi_WriteoffofUnamortizedDebtPremium" name="WriteoffofUnamortizedDebtPremium" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhi_YakimaWAMember" name="YakimaWAMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
</xsd:schema>


