Comprehensive Guide To Nurses Week Freebies And Year-Round Discounts For Healthcare Professionals

National Nurses Week, celebrated annually from May 6-12, has become a significant period when businesses across the United States express gratitude to nursing professionals through special offers, discounts, and complimentary products. This tradition gained particular momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic when nurses and healthcare workers were recognized as frontline heroes. The following guide provides a detailed overview of the freebies and discounts available to nurses, with specific focus on Nurses Week 2025 offers and year-round savings opportunities.

Food and Beverage Freebies

Nurses Week traditionally brings numerous complimentary food and beverage offerings from popular restaurant chains and coffee shops. These treats provide a well-deserved break for healthcare professionals who often work long, demanding shifts.

Applebee's has historically participated in Nurses Week appreciation by offering free appetizers to nurses who present a valid work badge at participating locations. While the 2025 offerings have not yet been confirmed, this popular freebie has been available in previous years and may return.

Buffalo Wild Wings has also shown appreciation for nurses in past years by providing 20% off orders with valid identification during Nurses Week. The chain has not yet confirmed their 2025 promotions, but nurses may want to check their local locations for potential discounts.

Chipotle has established itself as one of the most generous supporters of healthcare workers during Nurses Week. The company gives away 100,000 free burritos to healthcare heroes, including nurses. At the conclusion of Nurses Week, winners are selected at random and must verify their healthcare status before receiving a digital burrito card.

Cinnabon typically offers a complimentary classic cinnamon roll to nurses during Nurses Week. To receive this treat, nurses need only show their valid identification at participating locations, making it a simple yet sweet way to acknowledge their hard work.

For nurses needing an energy boost before or after shifts, Dunkin' has provided a free medium coffee on National Nurses Day (May 6) at participating locations. Nurses can choose between hot or iced coffee and customize their beverage with blueberry or vanilla flavoring options.

Insomnia Cookies participates in the appreciation by offering a free classic cookie to nurses who present their ID in-store. This late-night treat is particularly appreciated by nurses working extended shifts.

Caribou Coffee has joined the Nurses Week celebration by offering a free medium drink on May 6, available in-store only with valid identification. This promotion provides nurses with another option for complimentary beverages during their appreciation week.

Other Free Product Offers

Beyond food and beverages, numerous companies provide nurses with complimentary products and services as tokens of appreciation during Nurses Week and throughout the year.

Hertz Cars had previously offered a free rental car for an entire month to healthcare workers in New York City, though this particular deal reached its limit and is no longer available. The promotion demonstrated how transportation companies can support healthcare professionals in meaningful ways.

Intelycare provides valuable professional development opportunities by offering a 100% free COVID-19 Nurse Training Certification for nursing professionals. Upon completion of this training, participants also receive one free contact hour, contributing to their continuing education requirements.

JINS Eyewear has shown appreciation for healthcare workers by giving away free pairs of glasses. Interested healthcare workers can enter their details on the company's website, with the offer available while supplies last. Due to overwhelming response, JINS has modified their approach to select 5 people per day for this freebie.

Kizik Shoes had previously donated 1,000 free pairs of hands-free shoes to nurses and doctors fighting COVID-19. While this specific promotion has ended, it demonstrated how footwear companies can support healthcare professionals with practical items.

Knack had offered nurses the opportunity to nominate their favorite nurse to win a Knack Pack during Nurses Week. Although this promotion has concluded, it provided a way for colleagues to recognize each other's contributions.

Masks by Decor8 Interiors has been providing free masks to healthcare workers during the pandemic. According to company management, due to overwhelming demand, the shipping date for freebie masks is approximately 9 weeks from the date of request, indicating both the generosity and the challenges in meeting healthcare workers' needs.

Vivian Health has partnered with ResortPass to offer nurses relaxing daycation opportunities at local hotels or resorts. One winner receives $500 in daycation credits, while two additional winners receive $250 each. The first 100 entrants also enjoy 10% off their first ResortPass booking. This promotion aims to help nurses rejuvenate during their time off.

Travel and Accommodation Discounts

Several companies recognize that nurses may need travel accommodations for work assignments or personal reasons, offering special discounts during Nurses Week and beyond.

Outback Steakhouse extends a 10% discount to all first responders, including nurses, off their entire check. This appreciation offer allows nurses to enjoy a nice meal out while saving money.

Dave & Busters provides nurses with a free $10 game card throughout Nurses Week. This entertainment option offers nurses a chance to relax and have fun during their time off.

For nurses needing temporary housing during work assignments, several hotel chains offer special rates. Harrah's provides up to 30% off the lowest rate for nurses who verify their identification through their website. Hyatt's welcomes healthcare workers during Nurses Week by offering their Friends & Family Rate to nurses through June 30th, providing accommodation flexibility.

Apparel and Footwear Discounts

Nurses often require specialized clothing and footwear for their work, and several companies offer discounts specifically for healthcare professionals.

Clarks provides a special discount for nurses who verify their identity through a dedicated link on their website. This offer allows nurses to purchase comfortable footwear essential for their demanding jobs.

Sperry extends a 30% discount to nurses who contact customer service directly. This brand, known for its boat shoes and casual footwear, offers nurses an opportunity to update their wardrobe with quality footwear.

Shoes.com offers an even more substantial 35% discount to all nurses who verify their identification on the company's website. This significant discount makes quality footwear more accessible to healthcare professionals.

Adidas provides an exclusive 30% discount for verified medical professionals both online and in-store. This athletic apparel and footwear brand recognizes the physical demands of nursing work by offering discounts on performance and casual wear.

How to Access These Offers

Most nursing freebies and discounts require verification of professional status. The most common verification methods include:

• Presenting a valid work badge or employee ID at physical locations
• Using verification services like ID.me to confirm credentials online
• Providing proof of employment through registration forms on company websites

Nurses should be prepared to demonstrate their professional status when claiming offers, particularly for in-person freebies and discounts. It's also important to note that:

• Some offers are location-specific and may not be available at all franchise locations
• Many promotions are time-sensitive and may only be available during Nurses Week or specific dates
• Some offers have limited availability and may be discontinued once supplies run out or quotas are met

Nurses should check with individual locations and verify current promotion details before making plans to take advantage of these offers.

Year-Round Savings Opportunities

While Nurses Week brings special promotions, nurses can access savings throughout the year through dedicated programs and discounts.

ID.me's Nurse Marketplace offers a comprehensive platform for nurses to access exclusive discounts on apparel, electronics, travel, wellness products, and more. Registration is free, and the verification process is straightforward, providing nurses with instant access to hundreds of offers without the need for coupon codes or additional paperwork.

Many of the companies mentioned in this guide, including Adidas, Clarks, and Shoes.com, continue to offer nurse discounts beyond Nurses Week. Nurses interested in year-round savings should check these brands' websites or contact customer service to inquire about ongoing programs.

Conclusion

Nurses Week provides an opportunity for businesses to express gratitude to healthcare professionals through free food and beverages, complimentary products, and special discounts. While some offers are specific to Nurses Week (May 6-12), others provide year-round savings opportunities. Nurses should verify their professional status and check current availability before taking advantage of these offers. The variety of available freebies and discounts demonstrates the significant appreciation that companies have for the essential work nurses perform in healthcare settings across the country.

Sources

1. List of Freebies for Nurses During the COVID-19 Crisis & Nurses Week 2020
2. 40+ Nurses Week 2025 Freebies, Discounts, and Deals
3. Nurses Week 2025 Discounts
4. Nurses Week Freebies
5. Nurses Week Freebies