Nurses have always been a vital part of our healthcare community. They are often the ones with whom patients have the longest and most personal relationships, working tirelessly to provide day-to-day and even minute-by-minute care. And now more than ever, our nurses are taking to the front lines to provide ongoing and often, lifesaving, medical care, even at the risk of their own safety and health. So, while we feel that National Nurses Week is important every year, this year, we want to make sure we give an extra amount of recognition and appreciation to this special group of healthcare providers.
The idea of setting aside time to officially recognize and support nurses began in the 1950s. However, it wasn’t until the 1990s that a full week was designated as National Nurses Week. The week begins each year on May 6 and extends until May 12, which is the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the woman credited as the founder of modern nursing.
This year, especially, we want to make sure that the nurses in our lives get as much love and attention as we can offer.
To help you honor the nurses (and other healthcare workers) in your family or community, we’ve found a number of specials and deals that you can share with them to ensure they get the celebration they deserve during National Nurses Week. Keep in mind that many of these specials extend to all healthcare and front line workers and last beyond National Nurses Week, so be sure to keep the celebration going and let’s give our healthcare community the support they deserve!
Food Freebies and Deals for Healthcare Workers
A number of companies and retailers around the country are offering special deals and “freebies” to members of the nursing community for a limited time. While we’ve done our best to verify the specials, keep in mind that some will vary by location, may require some extra steps (sign in to an app or website), and may require valid healthcare/hospital ID. In other words, be sure to check the company’s websites first!
Chipotle: The last week of April, Chipotle ran a special program in which they agreed to donate a free burrito to medical professionals every time a Chipotle digital customer named their burrito order “4HEROES” on the Chipotle app or at Chipotle.com. Healthcare workers will be able to Sign up for a chance to receive their free burritos starting on Nurses Day, May 6. You can also visit this page on May 6, 2020 at 9:00 am PT to request burritos for your medical facility.
Circle K: Receive a free coffee or tea in stores with a valid healthcare ID.
Dunkin’: Health care workers can get a free medium hot or iced coffee and a free doughnut May 6, 2020 while supplies last. No purchase necessary.
Home Chef: Nurses, doctors, hospital employees, first responders, and teachers who verify with ID.me at checkout will receive an exclusive discount. Click here for details.
Krispy Kreme: From Monday, March 30 (National Doctors’ Day) and on every subsequent Monday through National Nurses Week (May 6-12), Krispy Kreme if offering all healthcare workers a dozen free Original Glazed® Doughnuts. Employer badge/ID required at drive-thru. Click here for details.
Little Caesar’s Pizza: This national pizza chain is committed to donating one million pizzas to health care workers and first responders throughout the country with their “PieItForward campaign. You can nominate an organization or group here – or start an order for your local healthcare heroes and donate additional pizzas at check out!
McDonald’s: Since the end of April, McDonald’s has been offering this freebie to health care workers, police officers, firefighters and paramedics across the country – and while the special ends on May 5, be sure to let your frontline friends and family that they can get free Thank You Meals from McDonald’s any time of day through May 5. See the meal options and get details here.
Outback: Nurses, doctors, medical staff, military veterans, servicemen and women, police, firefighters, and first responders can receive 10% off their entire check all day, every day (with valid medical, state or federal service ID). Currently applies to curbside and takeout orders. See details and eligibility information here.
Salt & Forge: This popular Jackson Ward breakfast and lunch spot will be donating 1,400 breakfast biscuits for the nurses and front line staff of Richmond area hospitals during National Nurses Week. You can get involved by donating to the “Give a Biscuit” program. Visit the Salt & Forge website to place an order or make your donation. Each $5 donation covers the cost of one biscuit.
Sheetz: Nurses, first responders, and other eligible healthcare works will receive a free coffee (with ID) from now until June 1, 2020 at Sheetz locations across the country.
Snickers: Send your healthcare heroes coupons for free Snickers bars simply by entering their phone number. A free ecoupon will be sent via text and can be redeemed at Walmart. Visit sendasnickersfromhome.com to sign up.
Starbucks: From now until the end of May 2020, front line workers can receive a free tall hot or iced coffee.
1-800-Flowers.com: Choose from a variety of coupon codes at https://www.1800flowers.com/promo-codes.
Mrs. Fields: Get 25% off any of Mrs. Fields’ “Heroes Collection” cookie and cake tins with the code THANKS. The code is valid through May 31st.
PersonalizationMall.com: Find specialized gifts for healthcare workers and get free shipping on orders over $35 with code SHIP35PM through May 15.
ProFlowers: Choose from a variety of coupon codes at https://www.proflowers.com/coupon-codes.
Know of any other ways that people are celebrating National Nurses Week in your community? Let us know at [email protected] so we can keep our list updated – and spread the love during National Nurses Week and in the coming months!
