Monday, May 6th marks the beginning of this year’s National Nurses Week. During National Nurses Week, we honor and appreciate the nurses in our community, for their hard work and dedication to our physical and mental well-being. This year’s theme is “4 million reasons to celebrate.”

The American Nurses Association wanted this week to recognize all of the 4 million registered nurses that are currently in the United States. This is the time for nurses, other healthcare professionals, and patients to take a moment to appreciate the critical role that every nurse plays in our daily lives. 

Simple ways to celebrate national nurses week

Here are a few ways you and other nurses can celebrate National Nurses Week this year.

Bring your team coffee

This is a simple way to show your team that you appreciate the work that they do. Everyone agrees, coffee gives you that extra boost and motivation you need to get you through your day. There’s nothing better than a nice jolt of caffeine, and it might just be the perfect way to show your coworkers that you care.

Give out handwritten notes

A physical letter means that you have taken the time out of your busy routine to think of them. Letters are the perfect way to show someone that you appreciate all that they do.

Bake some cookies!

Yes, we mean it! Not only do cookies show that you appreciate your coworkers, they are the best on-the-go snacks. And, you can easily decorate them to make them a little more nurse friendly. There are several healthier alternatives you can find online that are gluten-free, paleo, or organic.

Offer someone your time

If you see someone in need of help, see how you can help them. Sometimes the greatest gift of all is giving your coworkers your time. Helping someone with their paperwork or grabbing food for someone can really go a long way.

Just say “thank you”

Yep, this one is a little obvious, but consistently thanking your coworkers for their work is the easiest way to show your appreciation. You and your coworkers work endlessly and selflessly to care for patients every day, and like you, they would love to be recognized.

Don’t miss out on these deals throughout the week

Not only do hospitals celebrate National Nurses Week, but several businesses and organizations do as well. Throughout the week, there will be plenty of discounts and freebies that you can take advantage of. Here are just some of them.

Cinnabon

During National Nurses Week, Cinnabon invites nurses to have a cinnamon roll on them at participating locations.

Amazon

The biggest store online also has a list of free nursing books available on Kindle. These books are only available for a limited time, and one option includes Florence Nightingale’s “Notes on Nursing:  What It Is, and What It Is Not”.

Nature’s Gift

Do you like essential oils? Nature’s Gift has you covered. Throughout the year, Nature’s Gift offers 10% off on essential oils. All you need is a copy of a valid nursing license.

Sleep Number

Sleep number gives special discounts to medical professionals, including nurses, year-end. They even have a special page dedicated to healthcare workers on their site.

Uniform Advantage (also known as Lydia’s Uniforms)

Throughout National Nurses Week, nurses can have up to 50% off on new uniforms and scrubs.

American Nurses Association (ANA)

The ANA is offering a free webinar called Nurses4Us: Elevating the Profession. If you attend, you can earn one CNE contact hour.

Remember, this is YOUR week

Nurses, this week is the best time to reflect on your accomplishments throughout your career. As a nurse, think about all the lives you have touched and who has made a difference in your own life. There are 4 million registered nurses in the United States… currently. That’s a lot of nurses, and that number is only going to grow from here on forth. So, go on! Show your peers how much you appreciate their work and make sure to reflect on your accomplishments in the past. You deserve it.

Have other ways to celebrate National Nurses Week? Tell us what you and your coworkers have planned for this year’s celebration!