History of Nurses Week
There were many different dates and weeks proposed by various organizations and government groups as a time to celebrate nurses, dating as far back as 1953. A large portion of the conversation around this topic included Florence Nightingale and the idea of centering it around her achievements as the recognized founder of modern nursing. As recently as 1994, the American Nurses Association finally designated May 6-12 as the permanent dates of Nurses Week and this is when we have been celebrated ever since. This chosen week strategically ends seven days full of gratitude with Florence Nightingale’s birthday on May 12th.
Although Florence Nightingale is often recognized as the face of founding nursing as we know it, there are many more contributors worldwide that poured their heart, minds, and souls into founding this profession. This is a week meant to celebrate ALL nurses - we are such a diverse profession and not only do we as nurses come in all shapes and sizes, but so do the patients we treat. Let us take the time to celebrate the many different cultures that have come together to make nursing what it is today and continue to shape nursing in the future.
What We’re Celebrating
Annually, from May 6th - May 12th nurses are recognized and celebrated for the hard work and dedication we put into caring for our patients and the nursing profession with Nurses Week.
During this time hospitals and healthcare facilities across the country recognize us with various events, activities, and gifts *cue the pet rocks and peppermints*.
Nurses week is also a time for us to reflect on our careers and why we chose nursing. None of us want to remember Pharmacology or Care Plans but think about your classmates and how you couldn’t have made it through lectures or clinicals without them. Take this time to reflect on the impact you’ve had on all your patients and their families; the hands you’ve held and the tears you’ve wiped (and the butts too 😅). Think about the lives you’ve saved and at times, the ones you’ve lost. Reminisce on the colleagues you’ve worked alongside, the bath buddies and those “get in here quick” friends you knew you could always call on Vocera.
As we all know, nursing isn’t an easy profession - the NCLEX alone should have been our first clue to that. The long hours of being completely physically and emotionally drained before having to come back in for another unpredictable twelve can be exhausting. But, despite the challenges and the hardships we all have to admit it’s the most rewarding job, EVER! To see a baby being born, a patient getting discharged, or a family at peace when you walk in. Those feelings are indescribable, to know you’ve made a difference in someone’s life.
Nurses Week is also a time for us to advocate for our profession. Nursing, as we know, is often overlooked and undervalued (*pins up Healthcare Hero sign*), despite the vital role we play in healthcare, and society as a whole. As the backbone of the healthcare system, we deserve to be valued. In 2020, this week happened to fall during the early start of our long battle with COVID-19, when the world saw our work and our sacrifices up close for the first time. Many people across the world gained a true understanding of the risks we take daily and showed their appreciation on so many fronts. As the pandemic settles down and life continues to return to “normal”, we hope that we can use that momentum to advocate for better ratios, mental health avenues, and more equitable pay to combat burnout that is at an all time high after such a difficult season. This week is a challenge for us to continue to advocate for nursing and work towards a system that truly cares and values our contributions, this week and beyond.
Check out some of our mental health resources here.
This week is an opportunity to show gratitude for the patients and families who trust us with their care. It's an honor and privilege to be a nurse and we don’t take that responsibility lightly or for granted. I also offer this mantra to all nurses this week, “When I’m done caring for others I remember to care for myself”. Please know you deserve to care for yourself, too. Take yourself on a date, write a letter to your younger nursing student self and tell them how proud you are of them, or celebrate at brunch with a few coworkers. Let’s take this time and beyond to celebrate our profession, our colleagues, our patients, and most importantly ourselves! And whatever you do we encourage you to do it boldly! Happy Nurses Week!
At Trusted, we have nurses that work at the forefront of everything we do to help support you. Because of this, we have a deeper understanding of what you value and strive to make our nurses feel appreciated, not like just another commission check. We do this by building personal relationships, hosting a wide variety of virtual and in-person events that are FUN and discuss relevant topics at the forefront of nursing, and of course do our best to send the gifts and cards that you never thought you’d get as a staff nurse. You can be a part of our Trusted community even when you’re not travel nursing. We value you and your dedication to this profession.
This nurse’s week we will be hosting a giveaway, multiple events for our community, and launching a new SWAG shop where you can get gear to rep your status as a nurse all year round. Check back for more details on these as we get closer to the big week!
Freebies and Discounts for Nurses
What says celebration better than discounts, freebies, and special offers? 🎉 Below you’ll find your guide to the Nurses Week promotions and special deals we could find. (Please note, you may need to show your badge or ID number for some of these benefits!). We’ll be adding to the list as the week goes on and we discover new deals.
Apparel, Shoes & Accessories
20% off - Calvin Klein
20% off - Backcountry
15 % off select models - Citizen
10% off - Clarks
20% off - Dagne Dover
20% off - Hunter Boots
10% off - Jockey
15% off - Klogs
10% off - L.L. Bean
10% off - Motherhood
15% off - Vera Bradley
20% off - Tortuga Backpack
20% off - The Sak
30% off - RVCA
10% off - Bodybuilding.com
25% off - Everyman Jack
20% off - HEYDUDE
20% off - Merrell
25% off - New Balance
20% off - Moosejaw
20% off - Southern Tide
15% off - Tuckernuck
25% off - UNTUCKit
10% off - Rhone
25% off - Stio
15% off - Wolverine
15% off - Stance
20% off - Beyond Clothing
20% off - PSD Underwear
20% off - 686
25% off - Joules
15% off - Bates US
25% Off + Free Shipping for Nurses - NYDJ
20% off - Girlfriend Collective
20% off - O’Neil
10% off - Ashley Stewart
10% Off Orders Over $75+ US & Canadian Nurses - Cupshe
10% off - Keen
20% Off Orders $49+ for Nurses - Chaco
20% Off + Free Shipping & Returns for Nurses - Oofos
10% Off Orders Over $70 for Nurses - Orthofeet
20% off - Keds
20% off - U.S. Polo Assn.
10% off - Unique Vintage
10% off - Champion
15% off - Sunglasses Hut
30% off - Sperry
15% off - Blue Nile
20% off - MBT Physiological Footwear
20% off - CAT Footwear US
15% off - Third Love
15% off - Scout
25% off - Dockers
15% discount - J. Crew
15% off- Lululemon
20% off one pair of shoes - Rothys
10% off at Nike.com and Nike App - Nike
20% off entire order - Puma
15% off - Ray-Ban
20% off - Under Armour
10% off - Pandora
30% off - Adidas
40% off - Asics
15% off - Vera Bradley
25% off - Carhartt
15% off - Madewell
15% off - Levis
50% off - Reebok
20% off - Rothy's
Cosmetics, Skincare & Nutrition
20% off - TULA Skincare
20% off - Grown Alchemist
15% off and Free Shipping - Chantecaille
20% off - Spongelle
15% off sitewide - Soko Glam
20% off - Stacked Skincare
20% off - trestique
15% off - Grande Cosmetics
15% off - SiO Beauty
15% off - Erno Laszlo
10% off - Perfectly Posh
10% off - Josie Maran
20% off - Natura
20% off - ReFa USA
20% off - Beekman 1802
15% off - Colorescience
25% off a minimum order of $30 - e.l.f
15% Off Any Order + Free Shipping for Nurses - ContactsDirect.com
10% off - GNC
20% off - R+Co
15% Off for U.S. & Canadian Nurses - Hairstory
20% off - Discount Contact Lenses
50% off - Joy Organics
Get 20% Off Your First Three Months - Ritual
50% Off Lenses + Free Shipping - Glasses.com
Food & Grocery
10% off entire check - Outback Steakhouse
15% Off and Free Shipping - KIND
Free Membership - Thrive Market
Free Classic Cinnamon Roll, Minibon, or 4-count Bonbites - Cinnabon
55% off your first box - Hello Fresh
Free Big Pork Deal - Sonny's BBQ
Electronics
20% Off Regularly-Priced Theragun or TheraOne CBD for Nurses - Therabody
Up to 20% Off + Free Shipping for Nurses - Sennheiser
Savings Up to 40% Off + Free Shipping - HP
15% off - Netgear
$50 Off $500 and Free Shipping on 1000s of Items - Abt Electronics
Special Discount on 10-Device McAfee Total Protection for US Nurses - McAfee
30% off multi-tools - Leatherman
15% off select Robots for Nurses - iRobot
20% off - Ember
15% off - Sonos
Special Discount on orders $199+ - Bose
30% off - Samsung
25% off - Phillips
5% off - Lenovo
Entertainment & Services
10% off - TireBuyer
Welcome Unlimited for $20/line per month for 4 lines - Verizon
25% off unlimited plans - AT&T
Up to 30% Off the Lowest Hotel Rate for US & Canadian Nurses - Caesars Rewards
Fios Internet for as Low as $34.99/Month - Verizon Fios
$150 off your next vacation - Cheap Caribbean
20% Off First Timer Flyer Packages - iFly
Save 60% on 6 months of Babbel lessons - Babbel
Up to 30% Off the Lowest Hotel Rate for US & Canadian Nurses - Paris Las Vegas
Up to 30% Off the Lowest Hotel Rate for US & Canadian Nurses - Flamingo Las Vegas
Up to 30% Off the Lowest Hotel Rate for US & Canadian Nurses - Tropicana Atlantic City
Up to 30% Off the Lowest Hotel Rate for US & Canadian Nurses - The LINQ Hotel + Experience
Up to 35% Off - RedRock Casino, Resort & Spa
Up to 30% Off the Lowest Hotel Rate for US & Canadian Nurses - Planet Hollywood
15% Off Every Getaway - Getaway
For any essential stay, receive an extra 10% off1 Hot Rate® Hotel or Hot Rate® Car deals with a discount code to use on our already daily reduced Hot Rate deals (up to 60% off). - Hotwire
Save up to $100 off Gate Prices - Walt Disney World Resort
Up to 25% off - Budget
15% Off the Lowest Rates for U.S. & Canadian Nurses (All Dining & Drinks Included) - Hilton All-Inclusive
30% off - Caesars
5% - Sixt
15% - Getaway
15% off tuition - Indiana Wesleyan University
Home
40% off mattress discount - Nectar
30% off mattress discount - Dreamcloud
25% Off Sitewide + Free Shipping - Brooklyn Bedding
Extra 10-20% Off - Mattress Firm
35% off - Bear Mattress
$225 Off $1000+ - Saatva
20% off - Layla Sleep
20% off - Corkcicle
Free Club O Rewards Membership - Overstock
15% off - Tuft & Needle
15% off - Gravity Blankets
15% off - Cariloha
Extra 5% off - LoveSac
10% off - Purple
20% off - Ring
Outdoor, Sports & Fitness
25% off - Huffy Bikes
20% off - Competitive Cyclist
$50 Off a RadRover 6 Plus - Rad Power Bikes
25% off - VKTRY Gear
20% Off for U.S. & Canadian Nurses - Beyond Yoga
20% Off for US & Canadian Nurses - TRX Training
Extra 15% Off - Sole Bicycles
40% off - Jillian Michaels | The Fitness App
20% off - Spalding
20% off - Saucony
20% off - No Bull
15% off - TaylorMade Golf
15% off - Arctic Zone
20% off select gear - Burton
15% off - Fanatics
15% off - GCI Outdoor
20% off - Stanley
20% off - Yeti
$200 off accessories or accessory packages with purchase of a Peloton Bike, Bike+, or Tread
Some other potential discounts to be on the lookout for as Nurses Week approaches:
1. Auntie Anne’s National Nurses Week Discount
In 2022 Auntie Anne’s Pretzels gave their Perks members BOGO pretzels (regularly $3.29) through their app or website from May 6 – 8. We expect to see the same deal in 2023.
2. Great American Cookie National Nurses Day Discount
In 2022 nurses received a free chocolate chip cookie (regularly $1.99) from Great American Cookie when you made a purchase in store. You had to show your ID and could only get one free cookie per ID.
3. Johnny Rockets National Nurses Week Discount
Johnny Rockets celebrated National Nurses Week in 2022 by giving free milkshakes (regularly $4.29) to nurses when they showed their IDs from May 4 – 10. It was only one milkshake per ID and couldn’t be combined with other coupons or offers. We’ll update this post if the same offer is confirmed for 2023!
4. Marble Slab Creamery National Nurses Week Deal
When you showed your ID at the Marble Slab Creamery last year, you got BOGO small ice creams (regularly $5.49). They were limited one per customer and were only available on May 2 – 6, 2022.
5. MOD Pizza National Nurses Week Discounts
Last year you could get a Buy One, Get One Free MOD-size pizza or salad when you signed up by May 4, 2022. The coupon arrived via email the next day, and you could only use use it online or in the restaurant through May 8.
6. Mrs. Fields Cookies National Nurses Week Deal
In 2022 nurses got up to 25% off Mrs. Fields Cookies “Heroes Collection” of gifts during all of Nurses Week.
7. Outback Steakhouse National Nurses Week Discount
Last year you could get 10% off your whole check when you showed your valid medical ID at Outback Steakhouse.
8. Potbelly’s National Nurses Week Deal
If you showed your hospital ID when you went to Potbelly’s on National Nurses Day (May 6) in 2022, you got either a free cookie (regularly $1.30) or drink (regularly $1.35) when you purchased an entree.
9. AllHeart National Nurses Week Discount
When you used the code NURSESWEEK during checkout at AllHeart from May 6 – 12, 2022, nurses got BOGO 40% off your medical apparel — any item or brand. Plus, you got free shipping on orders over $49.
10. Scrubs & Beyond National Nurses Week Deal
Nurses got 20% off in-store and online purchases at Scrubs & Beyond plus free shipping with code THANKYOU during National Nurses Week in 2022. This offer was valid in person and online. Brands included: Koi, Form by Cherokee, Tooniforms, Maevn, and Jockey.
11. Skechers National Nurses Week Deal
Last year at Skechers, you had the entire month of May to show your nursing ID in store to take advantage of their 10% off Nurses Day Deal. They also offer up to 2% cash back for nurses year round.
12. Chipotle
Chipotle has been known to give away free bowls to nurses during Nurses Week, as well as allow for nominations for some nurses to win free Chipotle for a year!
