Every year, millions of people across the United States pause to honor one of the most dedicated groups in healthcare. If you’ve been searching when is Nurses Week, you’ve come to the right place. Here is everything you need to know — including exact dates, history, the official theme, celebration ideas, and exclusive discounts available right now.
When Is Nurses Week This Year?
National Nurses Week is an annual observance held every year from May 6 to May 12. This week honors the dedication and sacrifice of healthcare professionals nationwide and concludes on International Nurses Day.
Mark your calendars: National Nurses Day falls on May 6, and the week closes on May 12 — the birthday of Florence Nightingale, widely recognized as the founder of modern nursing.
What Is National Nurses Month?
Nurses Week is part of the larger National Nurses Month, celebrated throughout all of May. So the appreciation doesn’t stop after one week — the entire month is dedicated to recognizing the nurses who keep our healthcare system strong every single day.
The Official Theme for Nurses Week
The American Nurses Association (ANA) has announced the official Nurses Week theme as “The Power of Nurses™.” The official hashtag to use across social media is #ThePowerOfNurses.
This year carries extra significance as the ANA marks its 130th Anniversary, coinciding with America’s 250th Anniversary — making it one of the most historic Nurses Week celebrations to date.
The International Council of Nurses (ICN) has also announced its International Nurses Day theme: “Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives.”
A Brief History of National Nurses Week
Understanding the origins of Nurses Week adds deeper meaning to the celebration.
- 1953 — The first effort to establish a nurses’ recognition day was made by Dorothy Parker of the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare
- 1982 — President Ronald Reagan officially designated May 6 as National Nurses Day
- 1990 — The ANA extended the celebration from a single day to a full week
- 1994 — The dates May 6–12 became permanently fixed by the ANA
Within Nurses Week, National Student Nurse Day is recognized on May 8, and National School Nurse Day falls on the Wednesday of Nurses Week.
How Is Nurses Week Celebrated?
Throughout the week, healthcare organizations celebrate their teams, nurses are featured on local and national news, and people across the country take time to thank the nurses who have made a difference in their lives.
This year, the American Nurses Enterprise is hosting four special webinars, including sessions honoring the legacy of Mary Eliza Mahoney — the first Black nurse in the United States — along with discussions on artificial intelligence in nursing and mental health support for nurses.
The Nurses Light Up the Sky initiative also aims to illuminate 250 buildings and landmarks across the country in honor of nurses — symbolically tying the celebration to America’s 250th Anniversary.
Nurses Week Discounts & Freebies
One of the most exciting parts of Nurses Week is the wide range of deals offered by brands and restaurants to show appreciation for healthcare heroes.
🍔 Food & Restaurant Deals
Multiple restaurants are offering freebies and discounts, with some deals beginning as early as May 4:
- Shake Shack — Free ShackBurger or VeggieShack with valid nurse ID, May 4–12
- Potbelly Sandwich Works — Free cookie or regular fountain drink with any entrée purchase through May 12 with valid healthcare ID
- McAlister’s Deli — Free sweet or unsweet tea with valid medical ID, May 4–8
- Duck Donuts — Free medium hot coffee or cold brew on May 8 with valid ID, in-shop only
- Insomnia Cookies — BOGO cookies through May 12 with valid professional ID
- Ruby Tuesday — Free add-on Garden Bar with any entrée purchase, May 5–6 with valid ID
👗 Apparel & Scrubs Discounts
- JAANUU — 25% off with code NW25, valid May 6–12
- Lululemon — 15% off in-store and online after SheerID verification
- New Balance — 15% off online purchases after ID.me verification
- QHOOBI.com — 20% off all medical scrubs plus free embroidery on every scrub top, no code required through May 12
- Medshop — 10% off nursing scrubs with code ThankU2026 through May 10
- Fabletics — $15 scrub set for Nurses Week when you become a VIP member
☕ Coffee & Beverage Perks
- Scooter’s Coffee — Free medium drink on May 5 with valid healthcare ID
- Duck Donuts — Free medium coffee or cold brew on May 8 at participating locations
Why Nurses Week Matters
Nurses are much more than frontline caregivers. They are leaders, advocates, educators, and innovators. They are with us from the joy of birth to the most difficult and vulnerable moments of our lives.
Nurses Week is not just a formality. It is a national acknowledgment of the courage, compassion, and competence that nurses bring to every shift, every patient room, and every family they support. This week is a chance for all of us — patients, families, coworkers, and communities — to say thank you in a meaningful way.
How to Participate in Nurses Week
Whether you are a nurse, a patient, or simply someone who appreciates great healthcare, there are many ways to get involved:
- Say thank you — A heartfelt message, card, or note goes a long way
- Share on social media using #ThePowerOfNurses
- Take advantage of discounts — Many brands are actively rewarding nurses this week
- Attend or host a celebration at your healthcare facility or in your community
- Nominate a nurse for recognition through your hospital or local news outlet
Quick Facts: Nurses Week at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Dates | May 6 – May 12 (every year) |
| National Nurses Day | May 6 |
| International Nurses Day | May 12 |
| Official Theme | The Power of Nurses™ |
| Hashtag | #ThePowerOfNurses |
| Organized By | American Nurses Association (ANA) |
| Nurses Month | All of May |
Final Thoughts
Now that you know when Nurses Week is, how it started, and how to celebrate it, there’s no better time to show your appreciation. Whether you’re a nurse planning your own celebration or someone looking to honor a healthcare hero in your life, Nurses Week is your moment to make it count.
Nurses have always been the heart of healthcare. This week — and every week — they deserve to be celebrated.