Some have said that nurses are the backbone of the entire healthcare system. This has always been true, although it took a global pandemic to put nurses at the forefront of the public’s eye to be recognized for their hard work and dedication.
Journey to National Nurses Week
Presidential Proclamations, Congressional resolutions, state and federal initiatives to bring recognition to the incredible sacrifice and dedication of nurses’ role in healthcare have been made since 1953. The American Nurses Association designated May 6th – 12th as permanent dates to observe National Nurses Week beginning in 1994 and has been doing so ever since. The journey for this to happen was long and stressful for those involved, taking nearly 40 years to accomplish.
8 Interesting Facts About Nurses
- Every year a Gallup poll asks U.S. adults to rate the honesty and ethics of professions and nursing has been number one for 19 years in a row
- Nurses can be doctors
- Depending upon the level of nursing a nurse will spend two to six plus years attaining their degree and pay from $10,000 to $200,000
- The first known nursing school was established in India in 250 B.C.
- The first person to earn a nursing diploma was Linda Richards in 1873, who also invented written patient records
- Mary Eliza Mahoney was the first African American nurse, enrolling in 1878
- Nurses walk an average of 4 to 5 miles in a 12-hr. shift. To compare, the average American adult walks 2.5 to 3 miles in 18hrs. per day
- Only 60% of nurses work in a hospital
Ways To Recognize National Nurses Week
- Collaborate with local healthcare companies to create a group announcement
- Create a display with your local library highlighting books about nursing
- Request your local politician make a public statement recognizing the week
- Provide lunch or coffee for a local office
- Use #nursesweek for all social media posts concerning the week
- Donate to the American Nurses Foundation
- Provide gifts to your nurses such as flowers, balloons, cards, gift cards, a Step Tracker, or a gift basket
Our Message to You
We cannot say thank you enough to all nurses. The selflessness that you show towards those in need is beyond comprehension for most. You are the minority that helps the majority. You show compassion to those in need, while always putting others first. Without you, individuals would feel lost, families would feel lost, and our entire healthcare system would crumble. You are not the backbone of the healthcare system. You are the life of the healthcare system and for that we say Thank You.
Freebies for Nurses during National Nurses Week 2022
Zaxby’s
On May 3, Zaxby’s is offering a BOGO deal for their Boneless Wings Meal. This deal can be redeemed in-person or on online orders. If you are ordering online, order two Boneless Wings Meals, and the second will be discounted when you pick it up.
Samsung
From May 17 – June 6, healthcare professionals and first responders can get a cracked screen repair for $49.99 on select devices. Eligible customers will also receive a $20 eCoupon to use on Samsung.com after their repair is complete.
Chipotle
To honor healthcare workers, Chipotle is giving 2,000 health care professionals free burritos for a year. As of now until May 6, people can start nominating healthcare heroes by tagging them on Chipotle’s official Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and just giving a brief description of the amazing work they do. Note that winners will be notified through direct messages. Happy nominating!
Scooter’s Coffee
On May 6, healthcare workers can get a drink of any size for free. Please note that this offer is not eligible for order ahead and you will be asked to verify your status as a healthcare worker.
Dunkin’ Donuts Offering Free Coffee on Nurses’ Day
There are two things a nurse needs in bulk: scrubs and vitamin c (coffee). Though Dunkin’ Donuts doesn’t provide scrubs–at least to our knowledge–they do brew coffee. And on National Nurses Week, May 6, they are offering a free medium hot or ice coffee (no purchase necessary). Get your fix for free!
Outback Steakhouse Providing Discounts to Nurses
After a 12-hour shift, the last thing a nurse wants to do is labor in the kitchen for a meal. Thankfully, with the Heroes Discount at Outback Steakhouse, nurses among other heroes in our community get 10% off their entire check all day, every day. All you need is a valid medical ID.
