National Nurse Practitioner Week 2018 Freebies Discounts And Appreciation Offers

National Nurse Practitioner Week represents an important opportunity for healthcare companies and establishments to show appreciation for the dedicated work of nurse practitioners and other nursing professionals across the United States. While the search query specifically references 2018, the available source materials contain information about various Nurses Week and Nurse Practitioner Week offers from different years. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the types of freebies and discounts available to nursing professionals during these appreciation periods, with details drawn directly from the provided sources.

Background on National Nurse Practitioner Week

National Nurse Practitioner Week is an annual celebration held to recognize these exceptional healthcare providers and advocate for removing outdated barriers to practice. The week aims to remind lawmakers of the importance of allowing nurse practitioners to practice to the full extent of their experience and education. During 2025, the NP Week theme was "NPs: Trusted Voices, Proven Care," which included various resources such as sample news releases, talking points, fact sheets, and community activity guides.

Nurse Practitioner Week should not be confused with National Nurses Week, which runs from May 6-12 each year and coincides with Florence Nightingale's birthday. Gallup has consistently named nursing as the most-trusted profession in its ratings of honesty and ethical standards for 17 consecutive years, with 84% of Americans describing nurses' ethics as high or very high.

Food and Beverage Freebies

Restaurants and food establishments frequently participate in Nurses Week and Nurse Practitioner Week celebrations by offering complimentary items or special discounts to nursing professionals. Participation and offers can vary by location, so it is advisable to check with individual establishments before visiting.

Cinnabon

Throughout Nurses Week, Cinnabon has offered free treats to nurses presenting their badges at participating locations. In previous years, nurses could receive either one free Cinnabon Classic Roll, MiniBon roll, or a four-count of BonBites. The company partners with The DAISY Foundation, which recognizes the exceptional work that nurses do for patients and families every day.

Applebee's

In previous years, Applebee's has served free appetizers to nurses who showed a valid work badge during Nurses Week. This offer provided a welcome treat for nurses looking to relax after a long shift.

Insomnia Cookies

Nursing professionals have received free classic cookies from Insomnia Cookies during appreciation periods. To access these complimentary items, visitors needed to provide proof of healthcare employment at participating locations.

McDonald's

McDonald's has participated in Nurses Week celebrations in the past by offering free breakfast sandwiches, hash browns, soft drinks, and coffee to nurses. However, these offers have varied by location, so checking with local McDonald's restaurants was recommended to confirm participation.

Potbelly Sandwich Shop

During Nurses Week 2024, Potbelly provided nurses with a free cookie or fountain drink with the purchase of an entree. This offer represented a small token of appreciation for the hard work of nursing professionals.

Sonny's BBQ

Sonny's BBQ has offered nurses free BBQ sandwiches during select days of Nurses Week in previous years. Those interested in this offer needed to check the company's website for specific details about participation dates and requirements.

Retail Discounts

Many retailers offer special discounts during Nurses Week and Nurse Practitioner Week as a way to show appreciation for nursing professionals' contributions to healthcare.

Thrive Market

Nurses have been eligible to receive a free annual membership to Thrive Market, an online grocery store specializing in healthy and organic products. This benefit provided significant savings on groceries and health foods throughout the year.

Jan Marini Skin Research

This skincare company has offered an exclusive 40% discount on retail products for nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and licensed vocational nurses/licensed practical nurses. This discount allowed nursing professionals to access professional-grade skincare products at reduced prices.

Competitive Cyclist

Cyclists among the nursing profession have benefited from a 20% discount on select purchases when verifying their status through ID.me. This discount applied to cycling gear, apparel, and accessories.

GNC

GNC has provided a 10% discount on purchases to nursing professionals who verified their status through ID.me. This discount covered the retailer's wide range of vitamins, supplements, and health products.

Ritual

Nurses have received 20% off their first three months of Ritual products when verifying their status through ID.me. This discount applied to the company's vitamin and supplement subscriptions designed specifically for women's health needs.

Natural Cycles

Healthcare workers, including nurses, have qualified for a 20% discount on Natural Cycle's fertility awareness-based contraception app. This digital health tool provides an alternative to traditional birth control methods.

Stanley and Yeti

Both Stanley and Yeti have offered nursing professionals 20% off their products through ID.me verification. These discounts applied to drinkware, coolers, and other hydration products from these popular brands.

Spartan

Adventure-seeking nurses have benefited from up to 25% off participant registration for events including Spartan Trail and Tough Mudder. These discounts made obstacle course racing more accessible to healthcare professionals looking for physical challenges.

Health and Wellness Offers

Several health and wellness companies have shown appreciation for nursing professionals through special discounts and complimentary services.

Physicals Plus Health & Wellness

While specific details were not provided in the source materials, this company has participated in Nurses Week appreciation offers in the past.

Pachamama CBD Oil

This CBD company has offered 30% off all frontline workers, including nurses. This discount provided access to CBD products that may help with stress relief and recovery from physically demanding shifts.

Planet Fitness

Nurses have been offered a free week that includes unlimited HydroMassages, tanning, spray tanning, and red light therapy. This complimentary week provided access to the fitness center's various amenities for recovery and relaxation.

Educational Resources

Amazon

Amazon has provided free nursing books available for download on Kindle devices or the Kindle app during Nurses Week celebrations. These titles have ranged from NCLEX guides and study books to ECG interpretation resources and fictional books related to the nursing profession. This offering supported nurses' ongoing education and professional development.

Entertainment and Special Events

Nurse Appreciation Nights at Baseball Games

Nurse.org has partnered with MLB teams across the country to offer special discounts, recognition, and appreciation events for nurses during Nurse's Month in May. These events have included discounted tickets, opportunities for nurses to throw the first pitch, and various recognition ceremonies at baseball games nationwide.

How to Access These Offers

Most Nurses Week and Nurse Practitioner Week offers require verification of professional status. The most common methods of verification include:

1. Presenting a valid work badge or professional ID at physical locations
2. Using ID.me verification for online purchases
3. Providing proof of healthcare employment through official documentation

It is important to note that: - Participation and offers can vary by location - Some offers may require minimum purchases - Certain promotions may have limited availability or specific dates within Nurses Week - Verification requirements differ by establishment

Conclusion

National Nurse Practitioner Week and Nurses Week provide valuable opportunities for nursing professionals to receive appreciation through free food items, retail discounts, health and wellness offers, educational resources, and special events. While the specific offers may vary by year and location, consistent themes include recognition of nurses' vital role in healthcare, support for their professional development, and opportunities for self-care and relaxation.

As Gallup polls consistently show that nursing is the most trusted profession in America, these appreciation offers represent a small but meaningful way for companies and communities to acknowledge the exceptional work that nurses do for patients and families every day. Nursing professionals are encouraged to check with their favorite brands and local establishments each May to discover the latest offers available during these appreciation periods.

Sources

1. Get Em While They're Hot! Nurses Week 2018 Deals and Steals
2. National Nurses Week brings free food and discounts to nation's most-trusted profession
3. 40+ Nurses Week 2025 Freebies, Discounts, and Deals
4. Nursing Week Freebies 2018-19
5. About the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)
6. Free Nurse Week Giveaways