National Nurses Week is an annual celebration held from May 6th through May 12th, honoring the dedication and hard work of registered nurses across the country. During this period, many national brands and local businesses offer special promotions, free products, and exclusive discounts to show appreciation for healthcare professionals. For nurses in Central Pennsylvania, understanding which offers are available, how to access them, and what requirements must be met is essential for maximizing these benefits.
The following guide details the specific freebies and deals available during Nurse Week in 2019, based on verified promotional information. It outlines the eligibility criteria, redemption methods, and participating brands, providing a comprehensive resource for nurses seeking to take advantage of these annual appreciation efforts.
Participating Food and Beverage Brands
A significant number of restaurant chains participate in Nurse Week by offering complimentary food items or discounted meals. These offers typically require proof of employment, such as a valid healthcare ID badge or scrubs.
Cinnabon
Cinnabon has a longstanding partnership with the DAISY Foundation to support nurses. In 2019, this partnership resulted in a guaranteed freebie for nurses during National Nurses Week. Participating locations offered a complimentary MiniBon Roll or a 4-count package of BonBites to nurses who presented a valid healthcare ID badge. This offer was valid throughout the week of May 6th to May 12th.
Applebee's
Applebee's participation in Nurse Week promotions varied by location. Because offers were not uniform across all franchises, nurses were advised to call their local Applebee's restaurant to verify specific promotion details. Additionally, a dedicated phone number, 888-592-7753, was available to connect callers with representatives who could confirm the promotion at their nearest location.
Buca di Beppo
Buca di Beppo offered a complimentary meal to nurses during Nurse Week. To redeem this offer, nurses were required to bring their nurse ID to participating locations. As with other franchise-based offers, availability depended on the specific location's participation.
Chick-fil-A
Select Chick-fil-A locations offered freebies to nurses during the week of May 6-12. The availability of these promotions was not universal, requiring nurses to contact their local restaurant to determine if they were participating and to learn the specific details of the offer in their area.
Chipotle
While there were no official reports of Chipotle offering freebies specifically for Nurse Week in 2019, medical professionals could take advantage of a standing promotion at participating locations. This promotion offered a Buy One, Get One (BOGO) 50 percent off deal on Wednesdays.
Culver's
Similar to other restaurant chains, Culver's Nurse Week promotions varied by location. Nurses could access these promotions by bringing a valid nursing ID to participating restaurants. It was necessary to call the local Culver's establishment to confirm participation and specific offer details for the year.
Dunkin' Donuts
Dunkin' Donuts offered a specific promotion during Nurse Week 2019. From May 6th through May 12th, participating shops provided nurses with a complimentary 16-ounce Dunkin' Dark Roast iced coffee. This offer was valid between 4:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. daily. Nurses were required to present a valid ID card to receive the free coffee.
Einstein Bro's Bagels
On May 11th, Einstein Bro's Bagels offered a specific freebie for nurses. Participating locations provided a free Espresso Buzz Bagel and Shmear to nurses who presented an ID badge or were wearing scrubs.
Freebirds World Burrito
Freebirds World Burrito offered a promotion specifically on May 6th. Nurses with valid IDs could receive a free burrito when they purchased an adult-sized entree. This offer was valid only on the opening day of Nurse Week.
Jimboy's Tacos
Jimboy's Tacos offered a Buy One, Get One (BOGO) deal on original ground beef tacos during Nurse Week. To redeem this offer, nurses showed a valid nurse ID. There was a limit of three free tacos per nurse for this promotion.
Potbelly Sandwich Shop
Potbelly Sandwich Shop offered a free add-on item during Nurse Week. Through May 12th, nurses wearing scrubs or showing their IDs received a free cookie or fountain drink with the purchase of a salad or sandwich.
Sprinkles Cupcakes
Participating Sprinkles Cupcakes locations offered a complimentary sweet treat to nurses during Nurse Week. To receive the item, nurses needed to show their ID badge at the counter.
Haagen-Dazs
Although not technically part of Nurse Week, Haagen-Dazs held its Free Cone Day on May 14th, immediately following the conclusion of the celebration. Nurses were encouraged to participate in this event as well.
Discounts and Deals
In addition to free food items, several brands offered percentage-based discounts or dollar-off coupons during Nurse Week 2019.
PDQ
PDQ offered a significant discount to nurses on May 8th. Nurses who showed their badge received 50 percent off their entire check.
Texas Steakhouse & Saloon
Texas Steakhouse & Saloon provided a dollar-off discount. Those with a nursing badge received $5 off a purchase of $15 or more. This offer was valid through May 12th.
Uniform Advantage
Uniform Advantage offered a discount on work-related gear. Nurses could save 20 percent off athletic wear, shoes, and Nurse Mate clogs.
1-800-Flowers
1-800-Flowers offered a discount on floral deliveries. Nurses could get up to 50 percent off deliveries, valid until the end of June.
Beauty and Wellness Discounts for 2025
While the primary focus of the source material is on 2019 food and retail freebies, a separate source provided information regarding beauty and wellness discounts anticipated for 2025. These offers utilize third-party verification services such as ID.me or SheerID to confirm nursing licenses.
Tula
Tula offered a 20 percent discount on purchases for verified nurses.
Josie Maran
Josie Maran provided a 10 percent discount on purchases, with verification required through ID.me.
Grande Cosmetics
Grande Cosmetics offered a 15 percent discount on purchases, verified through ID.me.
E.l.f.
E.l.f. was listed as a participating brand, though specific discount percentages were not detailed in the available source data.
Gift Ideas and Appreciation Strategies
The source material also provided insight into appropriate gifts for nurses, as well as strategies for employers and colleagues to show appreciation effectively.
Recommended Gifts
Appreciation gifts for nurses often focus on self-care and practicality. Suggested items included: * Compression Socks: Useful for long shifts on their feet. * Gift Cards: Versatile options such as massage, coffee, or retail cards. * Thank You Baskets: Collections containing food, snacks, or self-care items. * Nursing Supplies: High-quality shoes, stethoscopes, scrubs, or totes. * Personalized/High-Quality Water Bottles or Coffee Cups: Useful for hydration during shifts. * Scented Candles: Helpful for relaxation after work. * Funny Nurse-Themed T-Shirts or Hoodies: Lighthearted apparel. * Social Media Posts: Public acknowledgment in the digital space. * Homemade or Store-Bought Treats: A personal touch to show gratitude.
Gifts to Avoid
Certain gifts were identified as unhelpful or morale-reducing. Nurses expressed a dislike for: * Unhealthy Snacks: Candy and empty-calorie items were generally unappreciated. Nutritious options like nuts or protein bars were preferred. * Basic Supplies: Items like hand sanitizer, badge covers, and pens should be available year-round rather than distributed as special gifts. * Company-Sponsored Items: Items such as lunch boxes, towels, or umbrellas featuring the company name were discouraged, as nurses did not wish to act as "walking billboards." * Thank You Postcards with Pictures of Executives: These were noted as a major morale reducer.
Employer-Sponsored Appreciation
Experts suggested that the most impactful ways for employers to show gratitude are through financial and time-based benefits. Recommendations included: * Bonuses and Pay Raises: Direct financial recognition of hard work. * Additional Paid Time Off (PTO): Providing extra rest and recovery time. * Transport Subsidies: Supporting nurses who rely on public transportation to get to work.
Conclusion
National Nurses Week 2019 offered a variety of freebies and discounts for registered nurses in Central Pennsylvania and nationwide. The majority of food-related freebies required in-person verification via a healthcare ID badge or scrubs, with specific validity dates ranging from May 6th to May 12th. While some national chains like Chipotle offered standing discounts rather than specific Nurse Week freebies, others like Cinnabon and Dunkin' Donuts provided exclusive, time-limited items.
For nurses seeking to utilize these offers, the key steps are to verify participation with local franchise locations, carry valid identification, and be aware of specific redemption windows. Additionally, for those receiving or giving gifts, focusing on self-care items or meaningful financial recognition is preferred over generic branded merchandise.