National Nurses Week is an annual observance in the United States, typically held from May 6 to May 12, dedicated to recognizing the contributions and dedication of nursing professionals. During this period, numerous businesses across the country extend special appreciation offers, including free food, beverages, discounts, and other perks. This guide compiles verified information from available sources about Nurses Week 2025 freebies and deals, focusing on offers that require proof of healthcare employment. The information is based on past promotions and anticipated offers for the upcoming year, with a strong emphasis on checking official brand channels for current details.
Nurses Week 2025 Freebies on Food and Beverages
Many restaurants and food chains participate in Nurses Week by offering complimentary meals, snacks, or beverages to nurses with a valid work ID. Offers can vary significantly by location, franchise, and year, so verification with local establishments is crucial.
- Applebee’s: In previous years, Applebee’s has provided free appetizers to nurses who present a valid work badge during Nurses Week. For 2025, specific details have not been confirmed, but nurses should monitor the official Applebee’s website for potential returns of this promotion. Notably, a past offer was limited to Flynn Group-owned Applebee’s locations in specific states (AL, CA, CO, DE, FL, GA, ID, IN, MA, ME, MN, NH, NJ, NM, NV, OH, OR, PA, RI, VT, WA, WI, WV, and Plattsburg, NY) and required mentioning a Facebook ad and showing a work badge to the server.
- Buffalo Wild Wings: Historically, Buffalo Wild Wings has offered nurses a 20% discount on their order during Nurses Week with a valid ID. While not yet confirmed for 2025, a past promotion was valid between May 5th and 11th for dine-in, walk-in, or call-in orders.
- Chipotle: Chipotle has run giveaways of 100,000 free burritos to healthcare professionals, including nurses. Winners are selected randomly and must verify their healthcare status to receive a digital burrito card. Past promotions have spanned two weeks.
- Cinnabon: Typically, Cinnabon offers a free classic roll to nurses who show a valid ID at participating locations during Nurses Week.
- Dunkin’: On National Nurses Day (May 6), Dunkin’ has historically offered nurses a free medium hot or iced coffee at participating locations, with the option to customize with blueberry or vanilla flavoring.
- Insomnia Cookies: Nurses can get a free classic cookie by visiting a location and providing proof of healthcare employment.
- McDonald’s: In the past, McDonald’s has provided freebies such as breakfast sandwiches, hash browns, soft drinks, and coffee for nurses during Nurses Week. Offers are often location-specific.
- Potbelly Sandwich Shop: During Nurses Week 2024, Potbelly offered a free cookie or fountain drink with the purchase of an entree.
- Sonny’s BBQ: Last year, Sonny’s BBQ offered nurses free BBQ sandwiches on select days of Nurses Week.
- Zaxby’s: Previously, Zaxby’s offered Buy One, Get One (BOGO) deals for nurses through their app during Nurses Week.
- Aroma Joe’s: A past offer provided a free 24-ounce drink with a valid ID on May 6th only.
- Bubbakoos Burritos: Nurses received 20% off in-store entrees from May 6th through 12th in a past promotion.
- Chick-fil-A: Offers vary by franchise participation. Past examples include free chicken biscuits, sandwiches, nuggets, milkshakes, coffee, cookies, waffle fries, and drinks on specific days. For instance, a 2025 promotion may include a free Original or Spicy Chicken Sandwich. Specific locations, like Chick-fil-A International Speedway in Daytona Beach, FL, have offered free items on May 6th with a valid ID.
- Chicken Salad Chick: A potential BOGO deal on large Quick Chicks was anticipated for Nurses Week 2026.
- Dickey’s Barbecue Pit: A discount on in-store purchases with a valid work ID was anticipated for the following year.
- Dunn Brothers Coffee: A deal on two medium coffee-based drinks was noted as a potential future offer.
- Happy Joe’s: A discount with a valid ID was anticipated for the following year.
- HTeaO: A BOGO deal on all cups of tea during National Nurses Week 2026 was anticipated.
- Moe’s Catering: In previous years, Moe’s offered a Nurses Week discount code providing a $50 gift card on catering orders over $300. Details for 2025 should be checked on the Moe’s catering website.
- Thrive Market: Nurses can receive a free annual membership to Thrive Market, an online grocery store. Eligibility is verified through ID.me, granting access to an online catalog for delivery.
Nurses Week 2025 Deals on Scrubs and Workwear
Several retailers specializing in healthcare uniforms offer discounts during Nurses Week, allowing nurses to refresh their work attire at a reduced cost.
- AllHeart: Offers up to 40% off scrubs and scrub accessories during Nurses Week 2025, including brands like Cherokee, MedCouture, and Heartsoul.
- Care+Wear: Provides exclusive discounts for healthcare workers during Nurses Week 2025.
- Dickies: In the past, Dickies has offered 20% discounts on scrubs during Nurses Week, a promotion hoped to continue in 2025.
Sports Team Appreciation Events
Major League Baseball teams often host Nurse Appreciation Nights during or near National Nurses Week, featuring special ticket packages, themed merchandise, and game recognition.
- Pittsburgh Pirates: Hosted a Nurse Appreciation Series from May 9 to May 11, 2025, against the Atlanta Braves. The special ticket package included an exclusive Pirates scrub-top-themed lunch box. Each game in the series featured dedicated recognition for local healthcare staff.
- Seattle Mariners: Held a Nurse Appreciation Night presented by Virginia Mason Franciscan Health on May 13, 2025, against the New York Yankees. Specially priced tickets included a Mariners-themed Quilted Quarter Zip.
- San Diego Padres: Hosted a Nurse Appreciation Night presented by UC San Diego Health on Monday, May 12, vs. Los Angeles Angels. This event had already sold out as of the provided information.
How to Access Nurses Week Freebies and Deals
To successfully redeem offers during Nurses Week, nurses should be prepared with the necessary documentation and follow these general guidelines, as indicated by the source material:
- Proof of Employment: Most in-person offers will require you to show a valid employee ID card. Be sure to have it handy when visiting participating locations.
- Loyalty Programs and Apps: Certain offers may require membership in a brand’s loyalty program or downloading their mobile app. For example, Zaxby’s deals were accessed through their app in the past.
- Verification for Online Offers: For online offers like the Thrive Market membership, eligibility verification is typically conducted through a third-party service like ID.me.
- Check Official Sources: Since offers can change annually and vary by location, it is essential to check the official websites, social media pages, or contact local franchisees directly for the most current and accurate information regarding Nurses Week 2025 promotions.
- Timing: While National Nurses Week is officially May 6–12, some promotions may start earlier, end later, or occur on specific days within that window (e.g., National Nurses Day on May 6).
Conclusion
Nurses Week 2025 presents a variety of opportunities for nurses to enjoy complimentary food, beverages, discounts on work apparel, and special event access. The promotions listed, ranging from free appetizers at Applebee’s to discounted scrubs from AllHeart, are based on past practices and anticipated offers. However, the availability, terms, and participation for 2025 are subject to change and often vary by location. Nurses seeking to take advantage of these appreciation offers should proactively verify details with the specific brands and local establishments prior to May 2025. The most reliable information will come from official company websites, verified sign-up forms, and direct communication with participating locations.