Gearing Up for National Nurses Week 2024

Nurses Week is a significant annual celebration that honors the invaluable contributions of nurses to healthcare systems nationwide. This observance serves as a recognition of the dedication, compassion, and expertise demonstrated by nurses in their daily practice.

As National Nurses Week 2024 draws ever nearer, let’s take a look at the history of this wondrous celebration and what Epic Travel Staffing has in store for this year.

A History of National Nurses Week

Today, we owe the existence of National Nurses Week to Dorothy Sutherland, an employee of the United States Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. In 1953, Sutherland proposed the idea of a “National Nurse Day” to President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Although the proposal was not enacted at the time, the idea of a recognition day for nurses gained traction.

In 1974, the International Council of Nurses (ICN) proclaimed the 12th of May as International Nurse Day. This day was chosen in commemoration of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, whose birthday was May 12, 1820. In the same year, the White House designated a week to celebrate National Nurse Week, under the proclamation of President Richard Nixon.

In 1982, President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation designating May 6th as the official Day of Recognition for Nurses. Given the proximity of National Nurse Day and International Nurse Day, the American Nurses Association (ANA) declared May 6 to 12 as the permanent dates for the observance of National Nurses Week. 

Why We Celebrate Nurses Week 2024

We celebrate Nurses Week to acknowledge the critical role nurses play in providing quality patient care. Nurses are at the forefront of healthcare delivery, acting as advocates, educators, and caregivers for individuals across diverse settings, from hospitals to community health centers. Their tireless efforts improve patient outcomes, enhance safety, and promote overall wellness.

National Nurses Week serves as an opportunity to express gratitude and appreciation for the tireless commitment of nurses, who often work long hours under challenging conditions. It’s a chance for healthcare organizations, communities, and individuals to recognize and thank nurses for their unwavering dedication and sacrifices, especially during times of crisis.

With the theme, “Nurses Make the Difference,” Nurses Week 2024 highlights the invaluable role nurses play by making a positive change in every life they touch. As beacons of hope for many patients, nurses deserve the spotlight, and what better way to do that than to light up the sky in their honor? This year, the ANA is running the #NursesLightUpTheSky campaign to spread support for nurses nationwide. All across the country, cities will be lighting up landmarks in celebration of Nurses Week 2024. People are encouraged to snap a photo with participating landmarks and post them on social media with the hashtag. 

Nurses Week: EPIC Celebrations Throughout the Years

As a premier travel nursing agency focused on curating the ultimate healthcare traveler experience, we make sure all our nurses feel recognized and valued, especially during Nurses Week. Every year, we at Epic Travel Staffing plan something special for our nurses to show our appreciation. As we draw closer to National Nurses Week 2024, let’s take a look at the different ways we’ve celebrated this special week in past years. 

And, of course, we haven’t forgotten about our annual tradition of sending Epic Nurses an EPIC gift each year on Nurses Week! Keep an eye out for this year’s fun, summer-themed gift set to our beloved travelers! 

What to Expect for Nurses Week 2024

Like every other year, nurses can expect to see some amazing discounts and freebies from different brands. Here’s a highlight reel of some of our favorites happening this year!

Food and Dining

  • Chipotle

In celebration of Nurses Week 2024, Chipotle will be giving away ‘Burrito Care Packages’ containing 50 Chipotle entrée codes to 2,000 lucky healthcare workers and their teams. Participants will need to sign up to enter the giveaway raffle. 

  • Outback Steakhouse

Head out to Outback Steakhouse for Nurses Week 2024 to get 10% off your entire bill. Just make sure to bring a valid medical ID to avail of the discount.

  • Hello Fresh

For those wanting a home-cooked meal, Hello Fresh is offering nurses a 60% discount and free shipping on their first box. Nurses will also get 15% off for the next 51 weeks

Apparel

  • Adidas

Get a new pair of comfortable kicks for those long shifts for 30% off when you purchase in-store or on the official website. Factory outlet stores also offer 20% off.

  • Reebok

Looking for a sweet deal on a new pair of shoes? Reebok is offering a whopping 50% discount for online purchases.

  • Calvin Klein

Treat yourself this Nurses Week at Calvin Klein. If you’re a frontline responder, you can get 20% off on your purchase.

  • Under Armour

Looking to get new athletic wear? Under Armour is offering nurses 20% off on all purchases.

Electronics

  • Samsung

Looking to get a new TV? Samsung is offering up to 30% off for all first responders.

  • Philips

As a leader in health technology, Philips is offering 25% discounts on purchases made by nurses. To avail of the discount, you will need to use ID.me for verification.

  • Bose

For the music lovers out there, Bose is offering a special discount for nurses on minimum orders of $199.

Nurses Week 2024: A Recognition of Dedication

By celebrating Nurses Week, we not only honor the past and present contributions of nurses but also inspire future generations to pursue careers in nursing. It’s a time to highlight the importance of this noble profession and foster a culture of appreciation for those who dedicate their lives to caring for others.

Epic Travel Staffing wishes you a Happy Nurses Week! We are truly grateful for all that you do.

Make the most out of your travel nursing experience with the help of Epic Travel Staffing. At Epic Travel Staffing, we take care of the legwork so that you can enjoy all the benefits of traveling without the headaches. Join our team now!