National Nurses Week officially began Tuesday, May 6, kicking off a week of recognition for healthcare professionals. The week runs through Monday, May 12, coinciding with Florence Nightingale's birthday. Businesses across the country are marking the occasion by offering discounts and free items to nurses.
The dates for National Nurses Week, May 6 through May 12, were permanently established by the American Nurses Association Board of Directors. This timeframe positions the event as an established recognition period each year. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed May 6 as "National Recognition Day for Nurses" in 1982.
Many companies are extending appreciation through various offers. Chipotle, for example, is awarding 200,000 teachers and healthcare professionals free burrito e-cards, totaling over $2 million in food value. Nurses can enter for a chance to win through the healthcare professionals microsite through May 12. Winners will be randomly selected and notified starting May 13 after employment verification.
Several restaurants feature special deals. On Tuesday, May 6, participating Chick-fil-A locations are giving nurses a free Original or Spicy Chicken Sandwich with a valid ID. Scooter's Coffee also offers nurses and healthcare workers a free medium drink on May 6 with ID.
Other food and drink promotions include MOD Pizza offering Buy One, Get One Free pizzas from May 5-8 with a valid ID. Tim Horton's provides nurses buy one doughnut, get one free or a deal on a dozen doughnuts from May 6-12. Sonny's BBQ offers a free Pork Big Deal from May 5-7 with a verified coupon obtained through registration at SonnysBBQ.com/Nurses-Week-2025. McAlister's Deli gives nurses and teachers a free Big Tea from May 5-12 by showing their badge or ID. HTeaO has a buy one, get one free cup of tea for nurses and teachers from May 5-9 with valid ID. Insomnia Cookies offers nurses a BOGO free classic cookie from May 5 through May 11 with a valid work ID.
Retailers are also participating. Mountain Mike's Pizza offers teachers and nurses 15% off all pizzas from May 6-9 using code "APPRECIATE25." Logan's Roadhouse provides nurses 20% off an entree with a valid ID from May 5-12. Crocs company offers healthcare workers a 25% discount on full-priced styles from May 6-12 on its Crocs website. Einstein Bros. Bagels near you is running a 20% off gift card promotion through June 24.
Beyond retail offers, organizations are finding ways to show appreciation. American College of Education partnered with Norman Regional Health System to recognize local nurses. ACE is sponsoring personal safety keychain alarms for approximately 1,200 Norman Regional nurses.
This partnership recognizes nurses' role in healthcare and extends support beyond professional duties. Keith Minnis, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, Norman Regional's Chief People Officer, stated, "Norman Regional is very blessed and grateful for the partnership with ACE and encourages other healthcare systems to consider partnering with ACE for their employees."
Geordie Hyland, ACE's President and CEO, commented on the company's broader support, stating, "Through our partnership with Norman Regional, we are honoring their dedication and advocating for their safety, and we're proud to champion their well-being."