If there’s anything the COVID-19 virus outbreak has taught us, it’s that nurses are essential. Actually essential just doesn’t seem to be a big enough word to describe nurses and the work they do. Nurses have been the difference between life and death for millions of people around the world. So it is only fitting that May 6 marks Nurses Appreciation Day, and the beginning of National Nurses Week.
A LOOK BACK
Dorothy Sutherland, an employee of the U.S. Department of Health originally proposed Nurses Day to President Eisenhower in 1953, but no official action was taken for the next two decades. In 1974 President Nixon proposed National Nurses Week, but it wasn’t until 1982 that President Reagan and the United States Congress made it official.
National Nurses Week always begins on May 6, and culminates on May 12, which happens to be Florence Nightingale’s birthday. The contributions of school nurses are also recognized during this week.
This year, the theme of National Nurses Week is Compassion, Expertise, Trust. I can’t think of a better theme.
Nurses have been front and center in the battle against COVID-19. They have tended to sick patients, nursed the illest back from the brink, and comforted strangers in their final moments. Hundreds of healthcare workers have even lost their own lives during this pandemic. Now more than ever, nurses deserve all the praise in the world and more.
FREEBIES & DEALS
To honor nurses and other healthcare workers. some businesses are offering great deals and freebies for National Nurses Week. Here’s a quick list of some of the special offers we’ve found:
Crocs – “A Free Pair for Healthcare” provides a free pair of shoes for healthcare workers. Visit Crocs.com for more details and to sign up.
Krispy Kreme – Any healthcare worker with a valid employee ID can head to the nearest Krispy Kreme drive-thru for free donuts. This offer ends on May 12, 2020.
Potbelly Sandwich Shop – Nurses can get a free cookie or drink with their meal as long as they have an ID badge.
Freebirds and Chipotle – Calling all burrito lovers! Freebirds and Chipotle are offering free burritos for nurses on May 6. Freebirds just requires a valid ID badge. Chipotle does require sign-up via their website.
Nike – Healthcare workers looking for new shoes can get a 10%-20% discount on Nike shoes. Check out the details on the Nike website.
Talkspace – Talkspace is providing one month of free online counseling to healthcare workers battling Covid-19. Go to the Talkspace website for more information.
Find more deals and freebies for nurses at the Nurses.org website.
