National Nurses Week represents a significant annual observance in the United States and Canada, dedicated to recognizing the contributions of nursing professionals. During this period, numerous brands and retailers extend special offers, including free food, product discounts, and exclusive services, as a gesture of appreciation. These offers typically span categories such as dining, outdoor gear, apparel, and wellness services. Access to these promotions often requires verification of professional status through designated platforms or presentation of valid work identification at participating locations.
The availability of these offers varies by year and participating location. While some brands have confirmed specific deals for upcoming celebrations, others have historically participated based on previous years' patterns. Consumers are generally advised to verify current availability directly with the brands, as offers are subject to change.
Food and Dining Offers
Several food and beverage brands participate in Nurses Week by offering free meals or discounts to nursing staff. These offers range from random drawings for free products to immediate discounts upon verification.
- Chipotle: Chipotle has historically offered significant giveaways during Nurses Week. In one instance, the brand gave away 100,000 free burritos to healthcare heroes, including nurses. Winners were selected at random and required to verify their healthcare status to receive a digital burrito card. In other instances, Chipotle has offered a "Burrito Care Package" containing 50 entrée codes to a team, with nurses able to sign up for a chance to win. Additionally, Chipotle has offered a "buy one, get one free" deal for nurses in the U.S. and Canada. To redeem this specific deal, nurses were required to show their work ID and purchase one entree to receive a second free. Eligible roles for these offers have included RN, NP, CRNA, CNS, CNM, LVN, and CNA. These deals were typically valid for in-store orders only.
- Dunkin’: Dunkin’ typically offers a free medium coffee to nurses on National Nurses Day, which falls on May 6. This offer is available at participating locations and includes a choice of hot or iced coffee. Customizations, such as flavoring additions, are generally permitted.
- Sonny’s BBQ: Sonny’s has previously offered free BBQ sandwiches to nurses during select days of Nurses Week. Customers should check the brand's website for specific details regarding current year offerings.
- Zaxby’s: In previous years, Zaxby’s offered Buy One Get One (BOGO) deals to nurses through their mobile app during Nurses Week. Availability for the current year is typically announced via their website or app.
- Subway: Subway has hosted a promotion where nurses could visit a specific website (SubwayServes.com) each day at 9:00 a.m. ET during Nurses Week to access offers.
- Applebee’s: In prior years, Applebee’s provided free appetizers to nurses presenting a valid work badge. This offer is subject to annual confirmation.
- Insomnia Cookies: The brand has offered free classic cookies to nurses, though specific verification methods for this offer are not detailed in the provided materials.
Retail and Apparel Discounts
Nurses Week is also a time for retail discounts, particularly in categories relevant to the nursing profession, such as uniforms and workwear.
- Scrub Retailers:
- AllHeart: Offers up to 40% off scrubs and scrub accessories during Nurses Week, including brands like Cherokee, MedCouture, and Heartsoul.
- Care+Wear: Provides exclusive discounts on scrubs for healthcare workers during this period.
- Dickies: Has historically offered 20% discounts on durable scrubs.
- All Seasons Uniforms: Offers 20% off with the promo code NURSE20.
- General Apparel and Footwear:
- Nike: Offers 10% off sitewide after verification of medical professional status.
- Reebok: Provides a 30% off "Heroes Discount" on shoes and other products.
- Beyond Yoga: Offers 20% off for U.S. and Canadian nurses.
- Scrubs and Workwear: Various retailers offer significant discounts during Nurses Week. For example, AllHeart offers up to 40% off scrubs and accessories, while Dickies has historically provided 20% off their durable work uniforms. Care+Wear also runs exclusive discounts for healthcare workers. These offers are typically available for a limited time during the celebration week.
Outdoor and Fitness Gear
Several brands offering outdoor equipment and fitness services participate in Nurses Week with discounted pricing.
- Huffy Bikes: Nurses can receive 25% off bike purchases.
- YETI: Offers up to 20% off coolers, drinkware, and other outdoor gear.
- Arctic Zone: Provides up to 15% off high-performance coolers and backpacks.
- Puffy Mattress: Nurses can receive up to $1,425 off mattresses and a free $600 Luxury Sleep Bundle.
- Jillian Michaels – The Fitness App: Offers up to 40% off custom workout sessions.
Health, Wellness, and Services
Beyond physical products, Nurses Week includes offers for services and wellness benefits.
- Thrive Market: Nurses can receive a free annual membership to the online grocery store. Eligibility is verified through ID.me.
- Incredible Health: Offers free nursing Continuing Education Units (CEUs). These are ANCC certified and can be completed online.
- Hotel Stays: Nurses can verify their status using the ID.me process to receive up to 30% off hotel stays.
- BP: Nurses can save up to 15 cents off every gallon of gasoline for 60 days by joining the BPme Rewards Program.
- AT&T: Offers 25% discounts on Unlimited wireless plans for healthcare workers.
- Verizon: Provides unlimited talk, text, and data service starting at $30 per line per month for eligible users.
- Discount Glasses/Contact Lenses: Promo code NURSE25 provides 25% off glasses, and code NURSE15 provides 15% off contact lenses.
Sports and Entertainment
Partnerships with major sports leagues provide exclusive access to offers.
- Nurse.org Partnership: Nurse.org’s partnership with the MLB, NBA, and NHL allows nurses to score exclusive offers for favorite teams.
- Ticket Discounts: In specific regions (e.g., Western New York), discounted tickets to entertainment events are offered in honor of Nurses Week.
Verification and Eligibility
Accessing many of these offers requires verification of professional status. The most common method mentioned is ID.me, a secure identity verification service used by brands like Thrive Market and various hotel chains to confirm eligibility for exclusive discounts. Other methods include:
- Promo Codes: Entering specific codes (e.g., NURSE20, NURSE25) at checkout on retail websites.
- In-Person Verification: Presenting a valid work badge or ID at physical restaurant locations.
- Website Registration: Signing up via brand websites to receive digital codes or enter drawings.
Eligibility generally extends to Registered Nurses (RNs), Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs), Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs), Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs), and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs).
Conclusion
National Nurses Week serves as a major period for brands to extend gratitude to nursing professionals through a variety of freebies and discounts. The offers range from complimentary food items at major restaurant chains to substantial discounts on work uniforms, outdoor gear, and wellness services. While many brands have historical patterns of participation, the specific details and availability of offers can vary annually. Nurses are encouraged to utilize verification platforms like ID.me and monitor brand websites and apps for the most current information regarding participation and redemption instructions.