Healthcare Appreciation Week, prominently featuring National Nurses Week, serves as a designated period for brands and organizations to express gratitude to medical professionals through a variety of freebies, discounts, and special offers. Spanning from May 6 to May 12 annually, this timeframe sees a surge in promotional activities targeting nurses, physicians, and other frontline workers. The offers range from complimentary food and beverages to significant savings on technology, apparel, and wellness products. Access to these benefits often requires verification of professional status, typically through digital platforms such as ID.me, or by presenting valid medical identification at point-of-sale locations.
The scope of appreciation extends beyond Nurses Week, with many brands offering year-round discounts for healthcare personnel. The following guide details the specific freebies, eligibility requirements, and redemption processes available to U.S. healthcare professionals based on current promotional data.
Food and Beverage Freebies
A significant portion of Healthcare Appreciation Week benefits centers on dining and refreshments. Various national chains and local establishments offer free meals, snacks, and drinks to nurses and medical staff who present valid identification or register online.
Chipotle Chipotle has historically supported healthcare workers by offering chances to win free entrees. During Nurses Week, specifically from May 6 to May 12, nurses can enter to win a free entree e-card. Additionally, one source indicates a giveaway of over 100,000 burritos to healthcare workers, requiring sign-up on their website for a chance to receive one.
Cinnabon Cinnabon offers a complimentary treat during the appreciation week. Nurses can receive a free Classic Cinnamon Roll, MiniBon Roll, or a four-count of BonBites simply by showing a valid healthcare ID badge at participating locations during Nurses Week.
Dunkin’ Donuts Dunkin’ Donuts provides a free medium hot or iced coffee on May 6. This offer is available without a purchase requirement, though customers should check with their local Dunkin’ for participation.
McAlister’s Deli McAlister’s Deli offers nurses a free tea throughout the week. Redemption requires showing an ID badge at the time of order.
MOD Pizza MOD Pizza offers a Buy One Get One (BOGO) pizza or salad deal throughout Nurses Week with a valid ID. Furthermore, a 20% discount is available on orders placed between May 6 and May 12 using the code NURSE25.
Insomnia Cookies Insomnia Cookies features a specific promotion for Nurses Week. While exact details vary by location, the brand typically offers a promo for nurses, often including free cookies or delivery perks.
Scooter’s Coffee Scooter’s Coffee locations may offer freebies such as a free drink of any size during Nurses Week. This typically requires showing a Nurse ID.
Chick-fil-A Participating Chick-fil-A locations often run Nurses Week deals. Historically, this has included a free Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich with a valid Nurse ID. Availability is subject to individual franchise participation.
Yogurtland Yogurtland offers nurses free delivery on orders over $15 placed through their website or mobile app. To redeem, use the code FREEDELIVERY.
Starbucks Starbucks offers a free tall brewed coffee (hot or iced) to healthcare workers. Notably, one source specifies this offer is available throughout the month of December, which is distinct from the traditional May Nurses Week timeframe.
Outback Steakhouse Outback Steakhouse provides a 10% discount on the entire bill for medical personnel presenting a medical ID. This offer is valid year-round, though specific location verification is recommended.
Mrs. Fields Cookies Nurses can enjoy up to 25% off the entire Heroes Collection at Mrs. Fields Cookies during Nurses Week.
Hello Fresh Hello Fresh offers nurses 55% off their first box, free shipping, and an ongoing 15% discount on future orders.
G.O.A.T. Fuel G.O.A.T. Fuel, an energy drink brand, offers a 15% discount to healthcare workers.
Verena Street Coffee First responders and healthcare workers can claim a 25% discount on Verena Street Coffee when shopping online.
Retail and Product Discounts
Beyond food, numerous retailers offer discounts on products ranging from skin care to outdoor gear. Many of these discounts utilize the ID.me verification platform to confirm eligibility.
ID.me Platform ID.me is a central verification tool for healthcare professionals. By registering for an account, users gain access to thousands of discounts and rewards across various brands. It is frequently required for deals with Verizon, AT&T, Bose, Stanley, Yeti, and others.
Beauty and Skin Care * Jan Marini Skin Research: Offers an exclusive 40% off discount on retail products for NPs, RNs, and LVNs/LPNNs. * Ritual: Provides 20% off the first three months of subscription. Verification via ID.me is required. * Natural Cycles: Offers 20% off for healthcare workers and first responders.
Apparel and Accessories * Stanley: Offers up to 20% off hydration products through ID.me. * Yeti: Offers 20% off coolers, tumblers, and drinkware through ID.me. * FlutterHabits: Offers 30% off products for nurses and teachers from May 5–12 via ID.me. * Spartan: Offers up to 25% off participant registration for nurses, including Spartan Trail and Tough Mudder events.
Health and Wellness * GNC: Offers 10% off purchases using ID.me verification. * Pachamama CBD Oil: Offers 30% off for all frontline workers. * Physicals Plus Health & Wellness: Discounts available, though specific percentage not detailed in source material. * Thrive Market: Nurses can access free memberships by verifying with ID.me.
Technology and Electronics * Verizon: Nurses and their families can get Welcome Unlimited for $20 per line for four lines. This is available to new or existing customers who verify eligibility through ID.me. Additionally, Verizon’s Fios 1 Gig Internet plan is available for $49.99/month. * AT&T Wireless: During Nurse/Physician Appreciation Week, nurses and physicians get 25% off unlimited plans. * Bose: Nurses receive a special discount on orders of $199 or more.
Event Tickets and Experiences
Major league baseball teams across the country host Nurse Appreciation Nights, offering discounted tickets, exclusive merchandise, and in-game recognition.
New York Yankees The Yankees host a Healthcare Appreciation series. Special event tickets include a New York Yankees Healthcare Tumbler or Scrub and a $15 Food & Beverage Voucher. Games include: * May 2: vs. Tampa Bay Rays * May 3: vs. Tampa Bay Rays * May 5: vs. San Diego Padres * May 6: vs. San Diego Padres * May 7: vs. San Diego Padres
Philadelphia Phillies The Phillies host Nurses Night on Monday, May 12, 2025, against the St. Louis Cardinals. The special ticket package includes a voucher for an exclusive Phillies scrub top (limited to the first 3,500 purchasers). The event features in-game tributes and coincides with a "Hatfield Phillies Franks" BOGO night (two hot dogs for the price of one).
Pittsburgh Pirates The Pirates host a Healthcare Appreciation Series weekend versus the Atlanta Braves. The special ticket package includes an exclusive Pirates scrub-top-themed lunch box. Games include: * May 9: vs. Braves * May 10: vs. Braves * May 11: vs. Braves
Nurse.org MLB Events Nurse.org has partnered with MLB teams across the country to offer special discounts, recognition, and appreciation events for nurses during Nurse's Month in May 2025. This includes the ability to buy discounted tickets and vote for nurses to throw the first pitch.
Digital and Educational Resources
Amazon Amazon offers free Kindle nursing books, providing valuable educational resources at no cost.
Books and Media While specific titles vary, the availability of free nursing literature on platforms like Amazon is a recurring benefit mentioned for professional development.
Year-Round Discounts
While Nurses Week (May 6–12) is the peak season for freebies, several brands extend discounts throughout the year to express ongoing gratitude.
LOOV LOOV offers a 10% discount on all products to all healthcare workers year-round.
Verena Street Coffee First responders and healthcare workers can claim a 25% discount on high-quality, craft-roasted coffee while shopping online at any time.
Outback Steakhouse A 10% discount on the entire bill is available when a medical ID is presented.
Telecommunications Verizon and AT&T Wireless offer substantial discounts that are not limited to Nurses Week. Verizon’s $20 per line offer and AT&T’s 25% off unlimited plans are available to eligible nurses and their families, subject to verification.
Eligibility and Verification Requirements
To redeem most offers, healthcare professionals must prove their status. The methods vary by brand but generally fall into two categories:
- Digital Verification (ID.me): This is the most common method for online discounts. Users create an account and upload credentials (such as a nursing license, pay stub, or ID badge) for approval. Once approved, discounts are automatically applied at checkout for participating brands like Verizon, Bose, Stanley, and GNC.
- Physical ID Presentation: For in-store food and beverage offers, nurses must present a valid healthcare ID badge, nursing license, or scrubs with a hospital logo at the point of sale. It is always recommended to call ahead to confirm local participation, as franchise owners have discretion over participation.
Conclusion
Healthcare Appreciation Week provides a substantial opportunity for nurses and medical professionals to access free products, meals, and discounts. The landscape of offers is broad, encompassing immediate gratifications like free coffee and cinnamon rolls, as well as long-term savings on technology and insurance plans. The use of verification platforms like ID.me has streamlined the distribution of these benefits, ensuring they reach the intended recipients. While the core appreciation events concentrate in early May, many brands have adopted year-round policies to honor healthcare workers.