National Nurses Week has started as of May 6 and people are looking for ideas for gifts for nurses they work with or know.
And they deserve it. The U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration points out that nurses “are the first line of defense in the prevention of illness and injury,” and often work between 12 and 16 hours per day.
A great way to celebrate the week is to hold a special event for the nurse in your circle of friends or family, or perhaps one who has had a big positive impact on you and your loved ones. Invite them over for a meal and spend some time together.
If you’re the boss at a hospital or another place where nurses work, you could hold the event for all nurses and single out some for awards, such as the most years of service or commitment to the profession.
A potential activity at a school could be having students acknowledge their favorite nurse by making a coloring of them or a poem about them.
Another way to appreciate nurses in the community is holding a fundraiser and donating the money to a hospital.
As for individual gifts, nurses get really stressed out by their intense workload and long hours. Relaxation gifts such as a massage from a professional, a trip out of town for a weekend, or even something as small as a cup of tea or coffee would surely be appreciated by them.
If you know the nurse well then consider what you know about them. What do they like to do? The answer could very well guide you to a good gift idea.
Nurses themselves should be aware that some businesses are giving out free things in honor of the week. Check those offers out below.
Cinnabon
Health workers that show a valid ID will get a free classic roll or minibon roll. Good through May 12.
Dunkin' Donuts
Nurses with a valid health care ID get a free 16 oz. iced coffee. The offer is valid from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m, May 6-12.
Sprinkles Cupcakes
A valid work ID on May 6 for professionals in both the educational (it’s teachers week) and the medical fields get a free mini cupcake.
Buca di Beppo
Free baked ziti and ravioli meals available through May 11 for customers with a valid ID. (Coupon; limit one per table)
New York & Co.
30 percent discount for nurses and teachers.
Walgreens
Some shoppers say they received a coupon for 15 percent off brand-new items and 20 percent off store-brand items in honor of Nurses Week. The reported promotion requires a health care ID and goes through May 11.
*Nurse photo via Shutterstock.
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