National Nurses Week 2025: A Guide to Freebies, Discounts, and Appreciation Offers for Healthcare Professionals

National Nurses Week is an annual observance in the United States dedicated to recognizing the critical contributions of registered nurses and other healthcare professionals. Spanning from May 6 (National Nurses Day) through May 12 (Florence Nightingale’s birthday), this period serves as a focal point for appreciation events and promotional offers from various businesses. The week is characterized by a wide array of freebies and discounts intended to honor the dedication and hard work of the nursing community. These offers range from complimentary food and beverages to significant savings on professional apparel and wellness products. This guide details the specific freebies, discounts, and deals available to nurses during the 2025 observance, based on verified reports and official announcements.

Food and Beverage Offers

Restaurants and food brands are among the most active participants in National Nurses Week, offering a variety of complimentary meals and discounts to show appreciation for medical staff.

Coffee and Quick Bites

For nurses seeking a morning boost, several coffee chains and quick-service restaurants offer complimentary beverages. * Dunkin’: On May 6 (National Nurses Day), Dunkin’ typically offers nurses a free medium hot or iced coffee. This offer generally requires the presentation of a valid healthcare ID badge. * Starbucks: While specific terms can vary by location and year, Starbucks has historically participated by offering free Tall Hot or Iced Coffee to nurses during the week. * Aroma Joe’s: Aroma Joe’s is offering nurses a free 24-ounce drink when they present a valid ID on May 7.

Full-Service Dining and Casual Restaurants

Several casual dining chains offer complimentary appetizers or discounts to nurses who present their identification. * Applebee’s: Applebee’s locations owned and operated by Flynn Group are offering nurses a free appetizer (valued up to $12) with the purchase of an entrée. This dine-in offer is valid through May 10 and requires the presentation of an ID. * Buca di Beppo: Nurses can receive a complimentary meal at participating Buca di Beppo locations during Nurses Week by presenting their nurse ID. * Outback Steakhouse: Outback Steakhouse offers a 10% discount off the entire check for nurses and other first responders. * Kazzan Ramen & Bar: Located in Houston, this establishment offers a 20% discount for nurses on May 6 with a work ID. * Verde Garden: Also in Houston, Verde Garden offers a 10% discount on the entire tab for nurses on May 6 with a work ID. * Wooster’s Garden: This Houston location offers a 10% discount on the entire tab for nurses on May 6 with a work ID.

Fast Food and Burrito Chains

Chick-fil-A: Select Chick-fil-A locations historically offer a free sandwich to nurses during Nurses Week. This is not a company-wide promotion, and availability varies by location. Nurses should bring their ID badge to claim the offer.
Chipotle: Chipotle has offered 250,000 free burritos to healthcare workers. The process typically involves applying online via a link, receiving a unique code via email, and using that code at checkout. Additionally, Chipotle offers healthcare workers the chance to win a free entrée through May 12.
Buffalo Wild Wings: Nurses with valid IDs can save 20% at Buffalo Wild Wings between May 5 and May 11 while dining in, calling in, or walking in.

Retail and Apparel Discounts

Beyond food, retailers in the apparel and wellness sectors offer significant discounts on items useful for healthcare professionals, including scrubs, shoes, and activewear.

Scrubs and Professional Apparel

FIGS: FIGS, a popular retailer for scrubs, is recognized for offering discounts and deals to nurses during Nurses Week. Specific discount percentages are typically announced closer to the date or verified through ID.me or SheerID verification.
Lululemon: Lululemon offers nurses up to a 25% discount on their apparel.

Footwear and Orthopedics

Comfortable footwear is essential for nurses, and several brands offer specialized deals. * Adidas: Nurses and medical professionals can receive 30% off in-store and on the Adidas website, and 20% off at factory outlet stores, verified through ID.me. * Good Feet Arch Support System: From May 6 to May 12, nurses with a valid ID who purchase a Good Feet Arch Support System receive three pairs of OS1st Comfort shoes and a pair of Architek Comfort Slip-On shoes for free. * SheerID Verified Brands: Nurses can verify their ID through SheerID to receive a 20% discount on any pair of shoes from participating brands. Additionally, a 10% discount code is available after SheerID verification for nursing shoes. * Crocs: Crocs are frequently mentioned as a participating brand offering nurse appreciation deals.

General Retail

The Parking Spot: The Parking Spot, an airport parking provider, offers a 25% discount for nurses on reservations made in May for travel through the end of 2025.

Digital and Non-Food Freebies

In addition to physical goods and food, digital freebies and specific product giveaways are available.

Amazon: Amazon has historically offered free Kindle nursing books in honor of Nurse Week.
Cinnabon: Cinnabon partners with the DAISY Foundation to offer nurses a complimentary MiniBon Roll or a 4-count package of BonBites (or a free Cinnabon Classic Roll, depending on the specific year's promotion) when they bring their healthcare ID badge to a participating location. This offer is valid through May 12.
Cinnabon Swag: Cinnabon has given away over one million of its famous baked goods to nurses over the past several years.

Verification and Eligibility Requirements

To claim these offers, nurses typically must provide proof of employment or licensure. * ID Requirements: Most offers require the presentation of a valid work ID, healthcare ID badge, or professional license. * Verification Services: Some retailers utilize third-party verification services such as SheerID or ID.me to confirm eligibility for online or in-store discounts. Nurses should be prepared to upload documentation or verify their status through these platforms to access specific codes or discounts. * Location Variations: It is important to note that many restaurant promotions, particularly those from large chains like Applebee’s and Chick-fil-A, are often determined by franchise ownership. Therefore, offers may vary by location. Nurses are advised to call their local establishment to confirm participation before visiting.

Historical Context of National Nurses Week

National Nurses Week is deeply rooted in history, aligning with the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. The observance has evolved significantly since its inception. The first National Nurses Week was observed in October 1954, marking the 100th anniversary of Nightingale’s service during the Crimean War. In 1974, President Richard Nixon proclaimed a National Nurses Week in February. Later, in 1990, the American Nurses Association extended the celebration to permanently mark May 6 through May 12 as National Nurses Week.

Conclusion

National Nurses Week 2025 continues the tradition of honoring healthcare professionals through a diverse array of freebies and discounts. From complimentary coffee and appetizers to substantial savings on professional apparel and wellness products, businesses across the country are acknowledging the sacrifices and dedication of the nursing community. Nurses are encouraged to carry their valid identification and to verify specific terms and conditions with individual locations, as franchise participation and offer details can vary. By leveraging these appreciation offers, nurses can access well-deserved benefits during their dedicated week of recognition.