National Nurses Week is an annual observance dedicated to recognizing the contributions and sacrifices of nursing professionals across the United States. Officially running from May 6 through May 12, the week coincides with National Nurses Day on May 6 and concludes on the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. During this period, various businesses, particularly in the food and dining sector, offer special incentives, discounts, and freebies to honor healthcare workers. In 2022, participating brands ranged from national fast-casual chains to coffee shops and casual dining establishments, with offers requiring verification of professional status.
The week serves as a designated time for communities and businesses to express gratitude for the nation’s most trusted profession. According to analytics company Gallup, nursing was named the most-trusted profession for the 20th consecutive year in January 2022. While many deals are specific to the May 6–12 window, some establishments extend discounts to nurses and other medical professionals year-round. To access these offers, nurses typically need to present a valid work ID or verify their status through third-party platforms.
National Nurses Week 2022: Dates and Overview
National Nurses Week 2022 spanned from Friday, May 6, through Thursday, May 12. The observance is designed to celebrate the ethical standards and dedication of nursing professionals. While the core dates are fixed, the availability and duration of specific promotional offers vary by brand and location. Participating businesses often announce their deals in advance, though some require checking with local franchise owners to confirm participation.
The scope of appreciation extends beyond food and beverage, with some companies offering discounts on apparel, automotive accessories, and educational materials. However, the bulk of the high-value freebies and discounts during National Nurses Week 2022 were concentrated in the restaurant industry.
Food and Dining Deals for Nurses
Several national restaurant chains offered specific deals for nurses during the 2022 observance. These incentives generally required proof of employment, such as a valid healthcare worker ID, and were valid only at participating locations.
Chipotle
Chipotle offered a multi-faceted promotion for National Nurses Week 2022. The brand hosted a giveaway for "free burritos for a year." To enter, participants were required to tag a healthcare worker on Chipotle’s social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter) and leave a comment detailing the worker's impact. The promotion ran through May 6, with 2,000 medical professionals randomly selected from the comments to receive the prize.
Additionally, Chipotle extended its support through the "Real Change" platform. Through May 31, guests could round up their purchase to the nearest dollar on the app or online, with the difference donated to the American Nurses Foundation. Historically, Chipotle has also offered free meals to individuals presenting a medical badge at checkout, a practice expected to continue in future observances.
Johnny Rockets
Johnny Rockets provided a free milkshake with any purchase for nurses from May 6 through May 10, 2022. This offer was available at participating locations upon presentation of a valid healthcare worker ID. The deal was also extended to teachers who presented a valid teacher ID.
Outback Steakhouse
Outback Steakhouse offered a 10% discount on the entire check for nurses during National Nurses Week 2022. The discount applied to food items but excluded alcohol. Valid medical identification was required to redeem the offer. Outback Steakhouse is noted for offering this discount to medical professionals year-round, not just during the specific week.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings offered a 20% discount on food items for nurses during National Nurses Week 2022. The discount was applicable to both dine-in customers and those ordering meals to-go from the restaurant. A valid ID was required to access this deal.
Logan’s Roadhouse
Logan’s Roadhouse offered the same 20% discount as Buffalo Wild Wings during the 2022 observance. The offer applied to food items for nurses presenting valid identification.
Mod Pizza
Mod Pizza offered a buy-one, get-one (BOGO) deal on pizzas from May 5 through May 8, 2022. In addition to the BOGO offer, nurses were eligible for free add-ons to their meals at participating locations.
Culver’s
Culver’s has a history of participating in National Nurses Week. For the 2022 observance, it was anticipated that many participating Culver’s locations across the U.S. would offer 25% off the entire purchase, based on the previous year's participation. Consumers were advised to check with their local Culver’s to confirm specific 2022 details.
Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A is a consistent participant in nurse appreciation events. For National Nurses Week 2022, it was anticipated that select locations would offer a freebie, such as an Original or Spicy Chicken Sandwich. Nurses were required to show a valid work ID to redeem these offers.
Cinnabon
Cinnabon has historically shown appreciation for nurses by offering a choice of free Cinnabon® Cinnamon Rolls at participating bakeries when nurses present proper identification. This offer was expected to be available during the 2022 week.
Coffee and Snack Chains
Dunkin’ Donuts
Participating Dunkin’ Donuts locations have a reputation for celebrating National Nurses Week. For 2022, it was anticipated that Dunkin’ would offer freebies to nurses, though specific details were pending release at the time of reporting.
Dunn Brothers Coffee
Dunn Brothers Coffee was expected to offer a deal on two medium coffee-based drinks during National Nurses Week 2022.
Insomnia Cookies
Insomnia Cookies was listed as a participating brand offering deals and discounts to nurses during the 2022 observance, though specific offer details were not detailed in the source material.
Casual and Fast-Casual Chains
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit offered nurses a discount on in-store purchases during National Nurses Week 2022. A valid work ID was required to redeem the discount.
Happy Joe's
Happy Joe's offered nurses a discount on purchases during the 2022 observance. Identification was required to access the savings.
HTeaO
HTeaO offered a buy-one, get-one (BOGO) deal on all cups of tea during National Nurses Week 2022. This offer was available at participating locations.
Chicken Salad Chick
Chicken Salad Chick offered a BOGO deal on large Quick Chicks during National Nurses Week 2022. This offer was available to nurses who presented valid identification.
Tim Hortons
Tim Hortons was included in the list of restaurants offering deals and discounts to nurses during National Nurses Week 2022, though specific offer terms were not detailed in the provided materials.
Year-Round and Non-Food Discounts
While National Nurses Week is the peak time for freebies, some companies offer discounts throughout the year or in categories outside of food.
Crocs
Crocs offered a 25% discount on footwear during National Nurses Week 2022. This discount is a recurring offer for healthcare professionals. To access the discount, customers often need to verify their status through third-party verification services such as SheerID or ID.me.
FitMyCar
FitMyCar, an automotive accessory company, honored first responders and nurses in 2021 with a 12% store-wide discount. While the specific 2022 offer was noted as "updates are to come," the company has a history of providing discounts to healthcare professionals.
Amazon
Amazon provided resources for nurses during the 2022 observance, including access to free nursing books available on their website. Additionally, users could print a free Amazon gift card at home to give to a nurse.
Erin Condren
In partnership with Nursing CE Central, Erin Condren offered a discount on planners for nurses. Using the code “ECNURSES10,” nurses received $10 off their first purchase of $40 or more.
Verification and Eligibility Requirements
Accessing these deals generally requires proof of professional status. Most participating brands require a valid work ID showing employment in the healthcare sector. Some brands utilize third-party verification platforms, such as SheerID and ID.me, to verify eligibility for discounts, particularly for offers available online or through apps.
It is important to note that offers, prices, and local participation may vary by location. Many deals require customers to check with their local restaurant or store to confirm participation in National Nurses Week promotions.
Conclusion
National Nurses Week 2022 provided a wide array of freebies and discounts for healthcare professionals, with a strong emphasis on the food and beverage industry. Major chains like Chipotle, Johnny Rockets, Outback Steakhouse, and Buffalo Wild Wings offered significant savings and free items to honor nurses. While the core event occurs annually from May 6 to May 12, many brands extend discounts to nurses year-round. To maximize these benefits, nurses should ensure they have valid identification available and verify participation with local establishments.