National Nurses Week and related observances such as CNA Week provide opportunities for brands and businesses to show appreciation for healthcare professionals through special promotions, discounts, and freebies. These offers typically span various categories, including food and beverage, retail, and professional development resources. The availability and specifics of these promotions often vary by location and participating franchise. Understanding the structure of these observances and the types of offers typically available can help nurses and healthcare workers maximize these appreciation gestures.
National Nurses Week is officially observed annually from May 6 through May 12, concluding on Florence Nightingale’s birthday. This week-long recognition is distinct from Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Week, which takes place in June. In 2024, CNA Week was scheduled from June 13 through June 19. Offers for these observances are frequently released in the weeks leading up to the dates, with many promotions specifically targeting the nursing profession as well as broader healthcare worker categories.
National Nurses Week 2024 Food and Beverage Offers
Food and beverage promotions are among the most common freebies offered during National Nurses Week. These offers range from free coffee to discounted meals, often requiring verification of healthcare employment or simply an admission of being a nurse.
Dunkin’ offered a prominent promotion for National Nurses Day 2024 on May 6. The chain provided a free medium hot or iced coffee to nurses at participating locations. This offer required no purchase to redeem. However, the promotion excluded cold brew and nitro cold brew beverages. Additional charges applied for espresso shots, dairy alternatives, and cold foam. The offer was limited to one per customer.
In the Dallas area, specific restaurants and cafes offered discounts to nurses and teachers during the May 6-10 timeframe. Bloom Cafe Dallas offered a 15% discount on the entire order for teachers and nurses. MOD Pizza provided a Buy One Get One Free offer on MOD size pizzas or any salad for teachers and nurses valid from May 6 through May 9. RaceTrac offered a free medium coffee to nurses from May 6 to May 10.
Other national chains often participate in National Nurses Week, though specific terms for 2024 may vary by location. For example, Applebee’s frequently offers discounts to educators and school faculty during Teacher Appreciation Week, which overlaps with Nurses Week, offering either 10% off or a free main course depending on the location. McAlister’s Deli typically offers free tea for teachers, though specific 2024 nurse offers were not detailed in the source data. Insomnia Cookies historically provides free cookies to teachers, and Krispy Kreme has offered free dozens of donuts for staff rooms when joining their rewards program by a specific date.
Retail and Service Discounts for Nurses
Beyond food and beverage, various retail and service establishments offer discounts to nurses during appreciation weeks. These offers can range from free recreational activities to special meal pricing.
Galleria Dallas offered complimentary skating during public skating hours for eligible participants. Gator Pit BBQ provided special meal pricing ranging from $8 to $10 for nurses during the Tuesday through Friday period of Nurses Week. Golden Corral offered a 20% discount on one adult buffet purchase for teachers during May 6-10, a promotion often extended to nurses depending on the specific location's policy.
Buffalo Wild Wings offers a 20% discount on orders for teachers, which is a common offer that may also apply to nurses at participating locations. McDonald's offers vary significantly by location and franchise, meaning nurses should check with their local restaurant for specific participation in any appreciation promotions.
Raising Cane’s has historically run promotions during Teachers Week, such as offering an all-expenses-paid summer vacation to a select number of teachers. While the source data specifically mentions teachers, similar high-value promotions are occasionally extended to healthcare workers during Nurses Week.
Professional Resources and Educational Support
Nursing professionals often have access to specialized educational resources and support networks. These resources are available year-round but are frequently highlighted during recognition weeks.
Nursing.com (formerly NRSNG) offers free nursing school and NCLEX cheat sheets available at nursing.com/freebies. This platform also hosts a top nursing podcast, "The NURSING.com Show," which releases new episodes 2-3 times per week. The podcast covers topics such as student struggles, tips for nurse life, interviews with nurse leaders, and NCLEX review. The host, Jon Haws RN, is a critical care registered nurse with experience in a Level I Trauma hospital in Dallas, TX. The platform provides books and study materials available on Amazon.com.
Additionally, the source data mentions a podcast episode titled "My First Day as a Real Nurse," which discusses the transition from nursing school to professional practice, specifically referencing a Neuro ICU internship in Dallas. This type of resource provides mentorship and guidance for new nurses navigating the early stages of their careers.
CNA Week and Historical Context
While National Nurses Week occurs in May, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Week takes place in June. In 2024, CNA Week was held from June 13 to June 19. This observance honors the hard work of assistant nurses. The history of CNAs traces back to World War I, where they began working under the Red Cross program to care for wounded soldiers in various hospital settings. Before 1987, nursing assistants were not required to have a formal education.
The term "nurse" derives from the Latin word "nurtire," meaning "to suckle." Historically, nursing was referred to as "a wet nurse," but by the late 16th century, it evolved to describe a person who cares for the sick. Documents from approximately 300 A.D. mention nursing as a profession, coinciding with the Roman Empire's attempt to build hospitals in each town. During the Middle Ages, nursing became more popular in Europe due to the Catholic Church's push for medical care.
How to Access and Redeem Nurse Offers
Redeeming offers during National Nurses Week or CNA Week generally requires proof of employment or professional status. While some offers, such as the Dunkin’ coffee, are available without proof, most retail and food discounts require the participant to mention the promotion or present identification.
It is critical to note that deals vary by franchise. Because many restaurants and retail establishments are franchised, the specific participation in a national promotion is at the discretion of the local owner. For example, Applebee’s, McDonald's, and Buffalo Wild Wings locations may differ in their participation. Consumers are advised to check with their local establishment to confirm details before attempting to redeem an offer.
For online resources, such as those provided by Nursing.com, access is typically immediate upon visiting the website or downloading the materials. Podcasts are accessible through standard platforms like Apple Podcasts or the provider's website.
Conclusion
National Nurses Week and CNA Week serve as significant opportunities for brands to acknowledge the contributions of healthcare professionals. The 2024 observances included a variety of offers, ranging from free coffee at Dunkin’ to discounted meals and skating in Dallas, and extensive educational resources through platforms like Nursing.com. While many promotions overlap with Teacher Appreciation Week, specific offers for nurses are widely available. However, due to the franchised nature of many participating businesses, availability is not guaranteed and varies by location. Nurses and healthcare workers looking to utilize these offers should verify participation with local vendors and utilize official professional resources for educational support.