National Nurses Week is an annual observance in the United States dedicated to recognizing the contributions and sacrifices of registered nurses. Held from May 6 through May 12, which marks Florence Nightingale's birthday, the week serves as a period of gratitude from the public and businesses alike. During this time, numerous retailers and restaurants across the country offer special incentives, ranging from complimentary food items to significant discounts on goods and services, to honor healthcare professionals.
In 2017, the week was marked by a variety of offers available to nurses who could present valid identification. While some brands maintained consistent annual participation, others introduced specific time-sensitive deals. The following guide details the verified freebies and discounts available during National Nurses Week in 2017, based on reports from that period.
Food and Beverage Offers
The majority of appreciation offers during National Nurses Week 2017 centered on food and beverage establishments. These deals ranged from complimentary baked goods to discounted meals and beverages.
Cinnabon
Cinnabon participated in National Nurses Week 2017 from May 6 through May 12. The chain offered healthcare professionals a choice of a free Classic Cinnamon Roll, a MiniBon, or a four-piece order of BonBites. To redeem the offer, nurses were required to present a valid medical ID badge at participating locations. Cinnabon has a history of supporting this observance, having participated in the appreciation week since 2000. The promotion was conducted in support of The DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Foundation. Joe Guith, President of Cinnabon, stated in a press release that providing treats was a way to thank nurses for dedicating their lives to others.
Einstein Bros. Bagels
Einstein Bros. Bagels offered a specific promotion on Thursday, May 11, 2017. Nurses visiting participating locations could receive a free Espresso Buzz Bagel and Schmear. The requirements for redemption varied slightly by report; some sources indicated that a valid nurse ID was required, while others noted that wearing scrubs was also acceptable to receive the freebie.
PDQ
On Tuesday, May 9, 2017, PDQ offered nurses 50 percent off their entire check. This all-day offer was valid at participating locations, with the specific exclusion of the PDQ location in Clermont. A valid nurse ID was required to redeem the discount.
Starbucks
While not a specific National Nurses Week promotion, Starbucks ran a half-price Frappuccino promotion during the same timeframe. This deal was valid for purchases made between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. from May 5 through May 14, 2017, at participating stores. The offer was available to the general public but provided a discounted caffeine option for healthcare workers during the week.
David’s Tea
On May 12, 2017, David’s Tea offered a free tea of the day to nurses and nursing students.
EVOS
During Nurses Appreciation Week (May 8–12, 2017), EVOS locations offered a free meal or salad with the purchase of a meal or salad. This offer required the presentation of a valid professional ID.
Potbelly Sandwich Shop
Potbelly offered a buy-one-get-one (BOGO) free deal on sandwiches from May 6 through May 12, 2017. To redeem, nurses were required to show a medical ID. The deal applied to sandwiches, salads, or "Pick-Your-Pair" orders when one of equal or lesser value was purchased.
MOD Pizza
On May 12, 2017, MOD Pizza offered a buy-one-get-one deal on pizzas or salads. The offer was valid with the purchase of an item of greater or equal value and required a valid nurse ID.
Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen offered a discount of $2 off online orders of $10 or more. This offer was valid through the end of Nurses Week in 2017.
Retail and Service Discounts
Beyond food and beverage, several retailers offered discounts on goods and services to honor nurses during the week and throughout the year.
Walt Disney World Resorts
The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort offered special room rates to nurses with valid IDs. Depending on availability, rates could be as low as $139 per night. This offer was noted as available year-round, not just during Nurses Week.
New York & Company
New York & Company offered nurses a 15 percent discount at checkout. This discount required the presentation of a valid ID and was reported as available year-round.
Sleep Number
Sleep Number offered a 35 percent discount on purchases to nurses who could provide proof of employment. Like the New York & Company offer, this was available year-round.
Cinnabon (Retail Partnerships)
While primarily a food offer, Cinnabon's participation is often linked to their broader support of the DAISY Foundation, which honors nurses. The chain has distributed over a million cinnamon rolls during Nurses Week over the years.
Brands Not Participating in 2017
It is important for consumers to note which brands are not participating in a given year to manage expectations. In 2017, Chick-fil-A confirmed to International Business Times that they did not have any chainwide promotions planned for Nurses Week. This was a change from previous years when the chain had offered free chicken sandwiches.
Identification and Eligibility Requirements
Accessing these offers generally required proof of professional status. The most common form of identification accepted was a valid medical ID badge. For offers involving food, wearing medical scrubs was sometimes accepted as an alternative or addition to ID requirements, particularly at Einstein Bros. Bagels.
Eligibility was typically restricted to nurses working in active practice. Some offers, such as those at David's Tea, specifically included nursing students. The offers were generally limited to the individual nurse and did not extend to large groups or families unless explicitly stated.
Historical Context of National Nurses Week
National Nurses Week has been observed in various forms since the 1950s. It officially concludes on May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, who is considered the founder of modern nursing. The week serves not only as a period for businesses to offer discounts but also as a time to raise awareness about the nursing profession. According to Gallup polls, nurses have consistently been rated as the most trusted profession in the United States for honesty and ethical standards, a status they held for 15 consecutive years from 2001 to 2016.
Conclusion
National Nurses Week 2017 offered a variety of freebies and discounts to honor healthcare professionals. The most prominent offers included complimentary baked goods from Cinnabon and bagels from Einstein Bros. Bagels, alongside various meal discounts from chains like PDQ, Potbelly, and EVOS. Retailers such as Sleep Number and New York & Company also provided year-round discounts to nurses. Access to these deals generally required a valid medical ID badge or professional scrubs. While many brands participated, it is notable that Chick-fil-A did not offer a chainwide promotion in 2017.