National Nurses Week 2025: A Guide to Freebies, Discounts, and Deals for Nurses

National Nurses Week is an annual observance dedicated to recognizing the contributions and sacrifices of registered nurses across the United States. Officially designated by the American Nurses Association, the celebration occurs every year from May 6 through May 12, ending on the birthday of Florence Nightingale. During this period, businesses nationwide participate in showing appreciation by offering a variety of freebies, discounts, and special deals exclusively for nursing professionals. These offers typically span categories such as food and beverages, apparel, travel, and wellness services.

While specific offers can vary by location and participating franchise, the 2025 celebrations are expected to follow trends established in previous years. To redeem most of these offers, nurses are generally required to present valid identification, such as a work badge or a nursing license, or to verify their status through digital verification platforms like ID.me. The following guide outlines the types of freebies and discounts available to nurses, based on patterns observed in recent promotional years.

Food and Beverage Freebies

One of the most popular categories for Nurses Week offers is food and beverages. Many restaurant chains offer free items or significant discounts to nurses as a way to say thank you for their hard work.

Coffee and Quick Bites

For nurses looking for a caffeine boost during their shifts, coffee chains often provide complimentary beverages. In previous years, Dunkin’ has offered nurses a free medium hot or iced coffee on May 6. This offer typically excludes specialty beverages like Frozen Coffee, Cold Brew, and Nitro Cold Brew, and usually does not require a purchase. Participation is often limited to select locations.

Smoothie King has also participated in the celebrations. Rewards members, including nurses, have been able to receive $2 off their orders using a specific promo code (such as THANKS2024) during designated days of Nurses Week. This offer is frequently available for unlimited use over the course of two days.

Casual Dining and Sit-Down Restaurants

Several casual dining chains offer appetizers or discounts. Applebee’s has a history of offering a free appetizer with the purchase of an entrée to nurses who present a valid work badge. This offer is typically valid at participating locations through the end of the week (May 10).

Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza and BurgerFi have both offered 20% discounts on all orders to nurses with valid IDs during Nurses Week. Similarly, Buffalo Wild Wings has provided a 20% discount on dine-in, call-in, and walk-in orders for nurses.

Specialty Food Offers

Other food establishments offer unique deals. Auntie Anne’s has previously given Perks members Buy One Get One (BOGO) pretzels through their app. Cinnabon has offered nurses a free Classic Cinnamon Roll or Minibon at participating locations. Firehouse Subs allows nurses to access weekly deals through their rewards program, including BOGO Hook & Ladder Subs on Wednesdays. Jimmy John’s has offered $5 off online and app orders with a purchase of $20 or more. McAlister’s Deli has provided free tea to nurses with valid ID. Sonny’s BBQ has offered free BBQ sandwiches on select days, while Zaxby’s has offered BOGO deals through their app. Additionally, Chick-fil-A and Chipotle have had local or sweepstakes-based participation in the past, with Chipotle offering a chance to win free entrée e-cards via ID.me verification.

Apparel and Scrubs Discounts

Nurses Week is also a prime time for purchasing new uniforms and work gear. Various brands that specialize in medical apparel offer significant discounts during this period.

Scrubs Brands

Several major scrub manufacturers offer exclusive discounts. AllHeart has offered up to 40% off scrubs and accessories, covering brands like Cherokee, MedCouture, and Heartsoul. Care+Wear runs exclusive discounts for healthcare workers. Dickies has historically offered 20% off their durable scrubs. Create Amor has offered 25% off orders for scrubs using a specific promo code (NURSE25) and has committed to donating a portion of proceeds to the American Nurses Foundation.

General Apparel and Footwear

While not specifically scrubs, other retailers have joined the celebration. Buzz E-Bikes and Huffy Bicycles (both owned by United Wheels) offer nurses 20% off online purchases year-round upon verifying their ID.me status. General apparel discounts for healthcare workers are also available year-round from various retailers, though specific Nurses Week apparel deals often appear closer to the event.

Travel and Lifestyle Offers

Beyond food and clothing, nurses can often find deals related to travel and lifestyle enhancements.

Travel and Daycations

Vivian Health has partnered with ResortPass to offer nurses a chance to win daycation credits. This promotion includes one winner receiving $500 in credits and two winners receiving $250 in credits, with the first 100 entrants receiving 10% off their first ResortPass booking. This offer is designed to provide relaxation and rejuvenation for nurses on their days off.

Memberships and Services

Thrive Market offers a free annual membership to nurses. Eligibility is verified through ID.me, granting access to their online grocery catalog for home delivery.

How to Access Nurses Week Offers

To ensure nurses can successfully redeem these offers, specific verification processes are usually required.

Identification Requirements

Most participating businesses require proof of employment. This is commonly satisfied by presenting a valid nursing ID badge or a nursing license at the point of sale. For dine-in or walk-in orders at restaurants like Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza, Buffalo Wild Wings, and McAlister’s Deli, physical ID is standard.

Digital Verification (ID.me)

Several offers, particularly those involving online purchases or sweepstakes, utilize ID.me for verification. This platform confirms the user's status as a nurse. Brands such as Buzz E-Bikes, Huffy Bicycles, Thrive Market, and Chipotle have utilized this method in the past. Users must create an account with ID.me and verify their nursing credentials to unlock the discount or enter the sweepstakes.

App-Based Offers

Many restaurant deals are distributed through proprietary mobile apps. Brands like Auntie Anne’s, Dunkin’, Firehouse Subs, and Zaxby’s often require users to have their app and be a member of their rewards program to access BOGO deals or specific promo codes.

Historical Context of National Nurses Week

Understanding the history of the observance adds context to the celebrations. National Nurses Week was officially designated to be observed starting in 1994, following a 1993 decision by the American Nurses Association (ANA) board of directors to set permanent dates of May 6–12. The movement gained traction earlier, with President Richard Nixon issuing a proclamation in 1974. In 1982, President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation declaring May 6 as a "National Recognition Day for Nurses." The week includes National School Nurses Day on May 8 and culminates on May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, which has been celebrated as International Nurse Day since 1974.

Conclusion

National Nurses Week 2025 serves as a significant opportunity for businesses to express gratitude to nursing professionals through tangible benefits. The offers available range from daily necessities like coffee and meals to substantial savings on professional apparel and lifestyle services. While the specific terms and participating locations for 2025 may vary, the trend of offering discounts and freebies remains consistent. Nurses are encouraged to check official brand websites and social media channels for the most current information regarding specific promo codes, participating locations, and verification requirements to maximize their savings during the week of May 6–12.