How to Celebrate Nurses Week This Year

We are incredibly grateful for the impact nursing has on all of us and considering the current COVID-19 crisis, it’s more important than ever to celebrate National Nurses Week in 2020. Although our festivities might look a little different this year, there are still plenty of ways to celebrate nurses this May 6^th through 12^th – and beyond!

Celebrate All Month Long

This Year of the Nurse commemorates Florence Nightingale’s 200^th birthday which also marks the end of Nurses Week every year on May 12^th. But why end the celebration there?

This year, the American Nurses Association will mark the whole month of May as Nurses Month in recognition of nurses with the theme “Nurses Make a Difference.” They’re dedicating each week to specific focuses like mental health, continuing education, and community. Check out the ANA for more on weekly themes and activities.

Support the Frontlines

Nurses definitely deserve some personalized praise right now! Hallmark is currently running a campaign to send millions of cards to healthcare workers during COVID-19. All you have to do is fill out your contact information to receive your three free cards that can be used thank nurses in your life for their dedication.

There are also plenty of other ways to show gratitude and help nurses out right now. Social media is a great way to share shout outs and stories. Consider sending food or coffee to local healthcare facilities, donating available supplies, and continuing to practice social distancing.

Don’t Forget School Nurses

May 6^th is National School Nurse Day and although school nurses have had to pivot during this crisis, we want to celebrate their continued impact in their communities too. School nurses have been assisting with breakfast and lunches as well as taking temperatures. This year’s theme from the National Association of School Nurses is “Supporting Students in Times of Crisis.”

Take Advantage of Discounts and Offers

For those working crisis needs, there are plenty of housing and accommodation offers for healthcare workers across the country right now.

• Google Maps has made it even easier to search for hotels with special discounts for COVID-19 responders.
• Hilton is offering special rates to healthcare workers on the frontlines through the Heart of Hilton.
• Hotel Engine is helping provide lodging with discounts at many hotels typically discounted 15-20% off.
• Hyatt has a new rate program for healthcare workers at designated hotels nationwide with offer code ESSENT.
• Marriott is providing healthcare workers special rates with their Community Caregiver Program through June 30^th.

Additionally, nurses may be interested in these offers for healthcare professionals that have been extended through Nurses Week or longer. Annual Nurses Week deals are still going on this year with some added due to COVID-19. You can also check out RN Perks for more offers for nurses.

• ANA has launched a Well-being Initiative to provide resources and support for nurses’ mental health and resilience.
• Care.com has a month long premium access offer for frontline workers seeking care for children, parents, and pets.
• Chipotle is offering free burritos for healthcare facilities when you submit a special order on May 6^th.
• Dunkin Donuts is giving healthcare workers free donuts and coffee on the 6^th as well.
• Eko is offering $20 off their Core Digital Stethoscope with promo code NERDYNURSE.
• Starbucks is also still providing nurses and first responders free tall brewed coffees throughout May.
• The Parking Spot is offering free parking for nurses at any of their facilities through May 12th.
• Talkspace is offering a free month to healthcare workers so you can check in on your mental health during this time.

With everything going on, Supplemental Health Care wants to send a big thank you to nurses everywhere for the compassionate care they provide every day. During Nurses Week and always, we are thankful for all that you do in service of others. We are excited to celebrate in new ways and spotlight our nurses during this crisis.

Let us know how you’re celebrating Nurses Week 2020 on social media by tagging @shccares! We’d love to hear from you.