Registered nurses (RNs) make meaningful contributions to the health of patients across America every minute of every day—working long, grueling, yet rewarding hours as integral pieces of a medical facility’s care team. While we at Barton Healthcare Staffing celebrate the hard work of nurses each day of the year, we want to take a special opportunity to recognize the vast impact of those in the nursing profession this National Nurses Week, May 6–12. Read on to learn more about the history of how this week came to be, and also some discounts and contests you can participate in to celebrate!
What is National Nurses Week?
National Nurses Week is a celebration highlighting and honoring the legacy and impact of nurses across the globe. The week is held every year beginning on May 6 and ends on May 12 (the birthday of Florence Nightingale, a 19th century social reformer and nurse who is considered the founder of modern nursing).
How did National Nurses Week start?
This current iteration of the week-long observance of the nursing profession was first officially celebrated in 1990, when the American Nurses Association (ANA) Board of Directors declared May 6–12 as National Nurses Week. But the official recognition of nurses goes further back than the end of the 20th century.
In 1953, Dorothy Sutherland of the U.S. The Department of Health, Education, and Welfare sent a proposal to President Dwight D. Eisenhower asking to proclaim a “nurse day” the next year, though this never came to fruition, according to the ANA. The following year, National Nurse Week was celebrated from October 11–16, and although a bill for National Nurse Week was introduced in the U.S. Congress in 1955, it never got anywhere.
In January 1974, the International Council of Nurses (ICN) officially recognized May 12 as “National Nurse Day,” and that same year, President Richard Nixon issued a proclamation designating a week as “National Nurse Week.”
Between 1953 and the 1990s, there were many attempts to proclaim a nurses week or day of recognition, but today, we can look forward to National Nurses Week every year!
What discounts are available for National Nurses Week?
Nurses and other healthcare workers can take advantage of a few discounts and deals for National Nurses Week. Here are some you can look forward to:
- Chipotle: Healthcare professionals can enter to win a free burrito e-card from May 6 through May 10 by registering on this website.
- Create Amor: From now until June 7, nurses and other healthcare workers can get 25% off their order of scrubs using the code NURSES25 at checkout. The company is also donating $1 per set of scrubs to the American Nurses Foundation.
- Dunkin’: Nurses can get a free medium hot or iced coffee on Monday, May 6th.
- Insomnia Cookies: Nurses who show a valid ID get one free cookie in-store from May 6–12. (Availability varies depending on location.)
- Skechers: Nurses get a 10% discount on all shoe styles during the month of May.
How can I celebrate National Nurses Week?
Let a nurse in your life know that you appreciate their hard work! Whether its a coworker, family member, or friend, buy them a coffee, take them out to lunch, or just tell them how much you love and respect their passion for helping others.
Enter to Win a Brevite Backpack!
Of course, we couldn’t let National Nurses Week go by without celebrating ourselves! From May 6–12, nurses can enter to win a $129.99 digital gift card to Brevite, which makes stylish backpacks for all kinds of activities.
Enter to win using this Google Form. Terms and conditions apply. Good luck!
Become a Travel Nurse with BHS
Are you a nurse working a permanent position? Want to explore the country and help others in need? We have many travel nursing opportunities available for you—check out our job board and apply today!