Complete Guide To Nurses Week 2025 Free Food Discounts And Perks

National Nurses Week, celebrated annually from May 6-12, represents a special opportunity for businesses across the United States to express gratitude to nursing professionals who provide essential healthcare services. During this week, numerous companies offer free food items, discounts, and special perks as tokens of appreciation for nurses' dedication and hard work. This comprehensive guide provides verified information about the available Nurses Week 2025 freebies and discounts, helping nurses maximize their benefits during this celebration of their profession.

Food and Beverage Freebies

Food establishments represent one of the most generous categories of businesses offering Nurses Week promotions. The following food and beverage deals have been announced for 2025:

Quick Service Restaurants

  • Dunkin': Nurses can receive a free medium hot or iced coffee on May 6 at participating locations with no purchase necessary. This offer serves as a morning appreciation token for nurses beginning their work week.

  • Buffalo Wild Wings: The restaurant chain is offering 20% off all orders from May 6-12. Nurses must present their healthcare ID badge at checkout to redeem this discount.

  • Insomnia Cookies: Late-shift nurses can sweeten their breaks with a free cookie during Nurses Week, with no purchase required.

  • Potbelly Sandwich Shop: Historically, Potbelly has offered buy-one-get-one deals on sandwiches, salads, or pick-your-pair options between May 6-12. Nurses need to show their medical ID to receive the free item of equal value.

  • Cinnabon: In partnership with the DAISY Foundation, Cinnabon consistently offers complimentary MiniBon rolls or 4-count packages of BonBites to nurses who present their healthcare ID badge at participating locations.

  • MOD Pizza: On May 12 specifically, nurses have been able to receive buy-one-get-one deals on pizzas or salads with the purchase of one of equal or greater value, requiring presentation of a valid nurse ID.

  • Dairy Queen: The chain has offered $2 off online orders of $10 or more throughout Nurses Week in previous years.

  • Applebee's: While promotions vary by location, Applebee's has historically served free appetizers to nurses showing valid work badges during Nurses Week. Nurses are advised to call their local establishment or the national line at 888-592-7753 to verify specific offers.

  • Buca di Beppo: Participating locations have offered complimentary meals to nurses who present their nurse ID during Nurse Week.

Other Dining Options

  • Zaxby's: In previous years, Zaxby's has offered buy-one-get-one deals through their mobile app during Nurses Week. Nurses should check the company's website and app for current 2025 offerings.

  • Sonny's BBQ: Last year, Sonny's provided free BBQ sandwiches during select days of Nurses Week. For 2025 offers, nurses should monitor the Sonny's website for announcements.

Retail and Apparel Discounts

Beyond food, numerous retailers offer special discounts and promotions during Nurses Week, particularly for apparel and accessories commonly used by healthcare professionals:

Scrubs and Medical Apparel

  • AllHeart: This retailer offers up to 40% off scrubs and scrub accessories during Nurses Week 2025. The promotion includes well-known brands such as Cherokee, MedCouture, and Heartsoul.

  • Care+Wear: The company provides exclusive discounts for healthcare workers during Nurses Week 2025, with offers on their range of comfortable and functional scrubs.

  • Dickies: Historically, Dickies has offered 20% discounts on their durable scrubs during Nurses Week. While not confirmed for 2025 at the time of writing, nurses can check the Dickies website for potential promotions.

Grocery and Wellness Products

  • Thrive Market: Nurses can receive a free annual membership to this online grocery store after verifying eligibility through ID.me. This benefit provides access to Thrive's catalog of health-focused products delivered directly to homes.

Professional Development and CEU Opportunities

Nurses Week not only celebrates professionals with free food and discounts but also offers opportunities for career advancement:

  • Amazon: The retail giant has offered free Kindle nursing books in honor of Nurse Week in previous years. Nurses should check Amazon's digital book section for available downloads during the 2025 celebration.

  • Continuing Education Units (CEUs): While specific CEU opportunities for 2025 aren't detailed in the available sources, some healthcare companies and educational institutions typically offer special professional development opportunities during Nurses Week.

Contest and Giveaway Opportunities

Several organizations host special contests and giveaways specifically for Nurses Week:

  • Vivian Health and ResortPass Partnership: This collaboration offers nurses the chance to win relaxing daycation experiences at local hotels or resorts. The contest includes:
    • One winner receiving $500 in daycation credits
    • Two additional winners receiving $250 in credits each
    • The first 100 entrants receiving 10% off their first ResortPass booking Nurses can enter through the Vivian Health Nurses Week 2025 event page for full details and entry requirements.

How to Access These Offers

To successfully redeem Nurses Week freebies and discounts, nurses should follow these general guidelines:

  1. Bring Valid Identification: Most offers require presentation of a healthcare ID badge or professional nursing license. Some establishments may accept digital verification through apps like ID.me or SheerID.

  2. Check Participation Details: Not all locations within a chain may participate in promotions. Calling ahead or checking the company's official website can confirm participation at specific locations.

  3. Verify Offer Dates: While Nurses Week runs from May 6-12, some promotions may be available only on specific days during this period. Others might extend beyond the official week.

  4. Review Purchase Requirements: Some offers require minimum purchase amounts or have restrictions on which items qualify for discounts.

  5. Use Mobile Apps: Several chains offer exclusive deals through their mobile apps, which may require downloading or updating before Nurses Week.

Tips for Maximizing Nurses Week Benefits

To make the most of Nurses Week offers, nurses can consider the following strategies:

  • Plan Ahead: Create a list of desired freebies and check which are available in your area before the week begins.

  • Coordinate with Colleagues: Some offers might be more valuable when shared with colleagues, such as buy-one-get-one deals.

  • Check for Year-Round Discounts: Many of the businesses offering Nurses Week promotions provide ongoing discounts for healthcare professionals. The Vivian Health website maintains a list of year-round savings opportunities from retailers including Lululemon, Fabletics, and E.L.F.

  • Monitor Social Media: Follow favorite brands on social media platforms for last-minute announcements or exclusive digital offers.

  • Read Terms Carefully: Pay attention to any restrictions, expiration dates, or limitations associated with each offer.

  • Share Appreciation: Some businesses extend similar offers to other healthcare workers. Consider whether colleagues in different roles might benefit from sharing information about available promotions.

Conclusion

National Nurses Week 2025 presents numerous opportunities for nursing professionals to enjoy free food, discounts, and special perks as tokens of appreciation for their vital role in healthcare. From complimentary coffee and meals to discounts on professional apparel and potential daycation giveaways, these offers provide both practical benefits and recognition for nurses' dedication. While many promotions are consistent year-to-year, specifics can vary, so nurses should verify details directly with participating businesses. Additionally, the week serves as a reminder of the year-round discounts available to healthcare professionals through various retailers and service providers. By planning ahead and knowing what to expect, nurses can maximize these benefits during their special celebration week.

Sources

  1. WTOP - Food Deals and Freebies for National Nurses Week
  2. AMN Healthcare - 14 Nurse's Week Freebies RNs Don't Want to Miss
  3. FlexCare Staffing - Nurses Week 2025: Freebies, Discounts & CEU Perks You Can't Miss
  4. IntelyCare - 40+ Nurses Week 2025 Freebies, Discounts, and Deals
  5. Voyage Solutions - 120+ Nationwide Nurses Week 2025 Freebies, Discounts, and Deals
  6. Vivian Health - Nurses Week Freebies