What is National Nursing Week?
National Nurses Week is held annually from May 6 to May 12 and celebrates the dedication and impact of nurses in communities across the country.
Unbranded – Lifestyle
National Nurses Week begins May 6, and restaurant chains across the country are offering giveaways and discounts to show their appreciation.
After many chains offered Cinco de Mayo and Teacher Appreciation Week sales, several chains are also offering promotions for National Nursing Week 2026.
According to the American Nurses Association’s website, the week is designed to recognize “the invaluable contributions nurses make to health care and our lives while addressing the real-life challenges they face every day.”
The organization, which encompasses the American Nursing Association, the American Nurses Credentialing Center and the American Nursing Foundation, aims to amplify the voices of nurses across the country to “drive change and spark a new era in nursing.”
National Nurses Week begins each year on May 6th and ends on May 12th, Florence Nightingale’s birthday.
“These permanent dates strengthen the plan and position National Nursing Week as an established recognition event,” the organization says on its website.
In 1982, President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation designating May 6 as “National Recognition Day for Nurses.”
Here’s what nurses need to know about where they can get freebies and discounts.
chipotle pepper
Chipotle announced on April 29 that it will award free burrito e-cards worth more than $200,000 in free food to 200,000 teachers and health care professionals.
Teachers and health professionals can enter for a chance to win a free entry e-card on their respective microsites from April 29th to May 12th.
At the end of Teacher Appreciation Week and National Nurse Appreciation Week, 100,000 teachers and 100,000 healthcare workers will be randomly selected and sent an email via ID.Me to confirm their employment status. If a potential award recipient does not confirm their employment status, additional potential award recipients will be selected and invited to confirm their status, Chipotle said.
Teachers and healthcare workers who can verify their employment status within 48 hours will receive a free Maine e-gift card. Winners will be notified on May 13th.
“At Chipotle, we are committed to giving back to the communities we serve, and that starts with the people who make a difference every day,” Stephanie Perdue, Chipotle’s senior vice president of brand marketing, said in a news release. “Recognizing teachers and health care workers through this program is one way we can give back in a meaningful way.”
buffalo wild wings
From May 4th to 10th, nurses get 20% off their orders when they dine at Buffalo Wild Wings. The benefit is not available without a valid hospital ID, the company told USA TODAY.
MOD Pizza
In honor of National Teacher and Nurse Appreciation Week, MOD Pizza invites teachers and nurses to visit participating locations and enjoy a buy-one-get-one-free pizza offer from May 4-7.
To take advantage of this benefit, participants must present a valid teacher or nurse ID at checkout. However, you are limited to one free pizza per ID. Buy a pizza and get a second pizza for free. The offer is valid in-store only, the company told USA TODAY.
pot belly
From May 4th to 12th, Potbelly will give all teachers and nurses a free cookie or regular-sized fountain drink with the purchase of an entree.
This offer is available in-store only and nurses and teachers must show identification when redeeming the offer.
go puff
GoPuff will offer a 10% discount on all orders shipped to hospitals from May 6 to 12, the company told USA TODAY.
mcallister’s deli
From May 4 to May 8, teachers and nurses can receive a free Big Sweet or Unsweet Tea at participating McAllister’s Deli locations by showing their badge or ID, the company told USA TODAY. This offer is valid in-store only and no purchase is necessary.
fable
Fabletics will offer 25% off all scrubs and free embroidery for the brand’s VIP members from May 6 to 12, the company told USA TODAY.
More sales for National Nursing Week 2026
- mountain mike’s pizza is offering 15% off all pizzas for nurses from May 6th to 7th using the code “CARE15OFF.”
- stonefire grill is offering 10% off catering for schools, hospitals, clinics, and clinics from May 4th to May 28th using the code “APPRECIATE10.”
- crystal From May 4th to May 8th, we are offering 50% off all breakfast sets for nurses. This benefit is available in-store with valid identification.
- green sea turtle will give nurses free dine-in meals worth up to $15 on May 6th.
- dog house is offering 20% off nurses at participating locations from May 4th to May 8th when you present a valid ID.
- Logan’s Roadhouse is offering customers the chance to purchase a $50 gift card for just $40 from May 1st to May 8th, exclusively online.
- grimaldi’s pizzeria is offering 15% off all orders from May 4th to May 8th for nurses with valid ID.
Gabe Hauari is USA TODAY’s national trends news reporter. You can follow him at X @gabehauari Or email Gdhauari@gannett.com.
