National Nurses Week 2018 Complete Guide To Free Food Discounts And Special Offers

National Nurses Week, celebrated annually from May 6-12, 2018, provided an opportunity for Americans to recognize and appreciate the contributions of nurses across the country. Established in 1990 and ending on May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale—founder of modern nursing—the week featured numerous freebies, discounts, and special offers from restaurants, retailers, and brands seeking to show their appreciation. This comprehensive guide details the available offers for nurses during Nurses Week 2018, based on verified information from multiple sources.

Background on National Nurses Week

National Nurses Week has been observed since 1990, running from May 6 to May 12 each year. The week concludes on May 12, which marks the birthday of Florence Nightingale, who is widely credited as the founder of modern nursing for her work during the Crimean War and her establishment of St. Thomas' Hospital and the Nightingale Training School for Nurses in London. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, there are approximately 3.8 million registered nurses in the United States, with an additional 200,000 expected to join the profession each year until 2026. Nurses represent the largest component of the healthcare workforce, serving as primary providers of hospital patient care and delivering most of the nation's long-term care.

Restaurant and Food Freebies

Numerous restaurant chains and food establishments participated in Nurses Week 2018 by offering free food items and discounts to nurses who presented their valid medical ID badges.

Cinnabon

Cinnabon appeared in multiple sources as offering one of the most popular Nurses Week freebies. Through a partnership with the DAISY Foundation, Cinnabon provided nurses with a free treat during Nurses Week. Specifically, from May 6-12, 2018, participating Cinnabon bakeries offered a choice of a free Classic Cinnamon Roll, MiniBon®, or 4-count BonBites™ to nurses presenting their medical ID badge. This offer was valid only at participating locations, and availability varied by establishment.

PDQ

PDQ celebrated both nurses and teachers by offering a substantial discount on May 8, 2018. Nurses and teachers received 50% off their entire check all day long at participating PDQ locations with valid identification. The company promoted this offer through social media, confirming the special discount in a tweet on April 30, 2018. As noted in the sources, not all PDQ locations participated, and nurses were advised to check with their local establishments for details and to find a nearby location.

Potbelly Sandwich Shop

Potbelly Sandwich Shop participated in Nurses Week by offering a complimentary item with purchase. Nurses who showed their medical ID badge or wore their scrubs received a free fountain drink or cookie with the purchase of a sandwich or salad. This offer was limited to one per customer and was available through the end of Nurses Week. While specific locations weren't detailed in the sources, one example mentioned a location in Morrisville in the Triangle area, with nurses directed to the company website for complete location information.

Einstein Bros. Bagels

Einstein Bros. Bagels honored nurses on May 11, 2018, by offering a free Espresso Buzz Bagel and Shmear to nurses who wore their scrubs, ID badge, or other professional evidence of their occupation. The offer was available at all participating locations throughout the country.

Chick-fil-A

Multiple sources indicated that certain Chick-fil-A locations across the country honored nurses throughout Nurses Week with various freebies. These included offers of free signature chicken sandwiches or free breakfast items upon presentation of a valid nurse ID. However, the sources noted that participation varied by location, with nurses advised to check the Facebook pages of nearby establishments to learn more about specific offers and availability.

Chipotle

While not part of the main Nurses Week timeframe, Chipotle offered a special deal for nurses on June 5, 2018. With presentation of a work ID, nurses received a buy-one-get-one-free offer on burritos, bowls, salads, and orders of tacos. This post-Nurses Week discount provided additional appreciation for nursing professionals.

Additional Restaurant Offers

Several other restaurant chains provided Nurses Week discounts:

• Buffalo Wild Wings: Offered a 20% discount on food items for nurses planning to dine in or order meals, whether in-restaurant or for takeout/delivery.
• Logan's Roadhouse: Provided the same 20% discount on food items as Buffalo Wild Wings for nurses with valid identification.
• Mod Pizza: Offered a buy-one-get-one pizza deal for nurses from May 5-8, 2018, in stores. Nurses could also receive free add-ons to their meals during this promotion.

Retail and Product Discounts

Beyond food establishments, numerous retailers and brands offered Nurses Week discounts and special promotions.

Healthcare Apparel and Accessories

Several retailers specializing in medical apparel and accessories provided Nurses Week discounts:

• Allheart.com: The medical clothing retailer offered a "buy one item, get 40% off another item" sale on their website during Nurses Week.
• Scrubs and Beyond: Provided 20% off all items on their website through the end of Nurses Week (May 12, 2018).

General Retail Discounts

• Adidas: The athletic apparel brand held a 30% off sale that was available to all customers, not just healthcare workers.
• New York & Company: Offered a 15% discount to nurses in-store year-round, not limited to Nurses Week.
• 1-800-FLOWERS: Provided 15% off gifts and flowers through the end of June 2018 with coupon code RMNSV15.
• Fanny May: Offered 15% off fine chocolates through July 1, 2018, with coupon code 39984.
• Personal Creations: Provided 15% off an entire online purchase for personalized items.

Healthcare-Related Freebies and Educational Offers

Several organizations provided nursing-specific freebies and educational opportunities during Nurses Week 2018.

American Nurses Association

The American Nurses Association (ANA) offered a free webinar titled "Emerging Technology and Its Impact on Nursing Practice" during Nurses Week. Participants in this webinar earned continuing education (CE) credits and gained insights into the impact of technology on nursing practice, real-world advice for adapting to technological changes, and methods for enhancing patient care through technology. The live webinar was scheduled for May 9 at 1 p.m. ET, with registration closing on May 8 at 7 p.m.

Lippincott Nursing Center

Lippincott Nursing Center hosted a giveaway during Nurses Week, offering participants a chance to win a $50.00 Scrubs.com gift card. To enter, nurses needed to explain what #NurseStrong means to them on the Lippincott Nursing Center website. Additionally, all applicants received a $10 off CE coupon just for participating in the giveaway.

Amazon

Amazon offered free nursing Kindle books during Nurses Week, providing nurses with educational and professional reading materials at no cost. While specific titles weren't detailed in the sources, this offer provided valuable resources for nursing professionals looking to expand their knowledge.

Travel and Accommodation Deals

For nurses seeking to plan vacations or getaways, special rates were available:

• Disney's Swan and Dolphin Resort: Offered special rates for nurses year-round. Nurses were advised to mention their profession when making reservations to access these discounted rates. The special rates also applied to educators, military personnel, and government workers.

How to Access These Offers

Most Nurses Week 2018 offers required nurses to present valid identification in the form of a medical ID badge or other professional evidence of their nursing status. Some offers had specific date ranges within Nurses Week (May 6-12), while others extended beyond the official week. Participation varied by location, with many offers available only at participating establishments. Nurses were generally advised to check with local locations for specific details, availability, and any potential restrictions that might apply.

Conclusion

National Nurses Week 2018 provided numerous opportunities for nurses to receive appreciation through free food items, discounts, and special offers from a wide range of companies. From complimentary Cinnabon treats and substantial restaurant discounts to educational webinars and retail savings, nurses had numerous options to enjoy recognition for their critical role in healthcare. While most offers required valid identification and participation varied by location, the collective appreciation demonstrated by these businesses highlighted the value placed on the nursing profession. As the sources emphasized, nurses represent the largest component of the healthcare workforce and have played a critical role during challenging times, making these tokens of appreciation particularly meaningful.

Sources

1. WRAL - Nurses Week 2018 Freebies and Offers
2. Travel Nursing Central - Nurses Week 2018 Steals and Deals
3. The Bear of Real Estate - Nurses Week 2018 Freebies and Giveaway
4. ABC15 - Thank You Nurses: Freebies to Celebrate National Nurses Week 2018
5. Cincinnati.com - Nurse Appreciation Week 2018 Freebies and Deals
6. Fox 26 Houston - National Nurses Week: Restaurants and Brands Offer Freebies and Discounts
7. People - Here's All the Restaurants Where Nurses Can Get a Deal on National Nurse's Week