National Nurses Week 2025: How to get deals, freebies from Applebee’s, Outback and more

National Nurses Week 2025 is May 6-12.

The origins of National Nurses Week began in the early 1950s, when a week in October honored nurses around the same time of the 100th anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s mission to Crimea, according to the American Nurses Association.

Eventually in 1974, a proclamation from the Nixon White House designated a week dedicated to nurses known as National Nurses Week.

Fast forward to the present, and you’ll find that many businesses use the celebration to honor nurses for their hard work caring for patients by offering freebies and deals.

Most places usually require nurses to show a valid ID to participate, so it is best to check with your local store for National Nurses Week promotions.

Here is what you need to know about the restaurants and eateries offering freebies and deals all week.

National Nurses Week deals and freebies 2025

Applebee’s: Nurses get a free appetizer up to $12 with any entrée purchase when they show their work ID. The deal is valid at participating locations through May 10.

Buffalo Wild Wings: Nurses get 20% off orders during National Nurses Week. This deal is available for dine-in and takeout orders when nurses show their work ID.

Chipotle: Chipotle is celebrating the healthcare community by giving away more than $1 million in free Chipotle to 100,000 healthcare workers. Healthcare workers can sign up here for a chance to win a free burrito e-card.

Dunkin: Get a free medium hot or iced coffee on May 6.

Insomnia Cookies: Nurses can get a free Classic cookie from May 6-12 when they shop in-store. No purchase is necessary for this deal, but nurses must show valid ID.

Outback Steakhouse: Nurses can get 10% off their checks year-round with the Heroes Discount.

Potbelly Sandwich Shop: From May 5 through May 11, nurses can get a free cookie or regular-sized soft drink when they buy an entrée. You must show ID to redeem the free cookie or drink.

Tim Horton’s: If you’re a Tim Horton’s rewards member, you can buy one donut and get one free or buy 12 donuts and get six free.

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Katherine Rodriguez can be reached at krodriguez@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips.