The annual celebration of all things nursing–National Nurses Week–is about to be upon us. The week begins Sunday, May 6 and ends Saturday, May 12.

This is the week for nurses to enjoy tons of free stuff and discounted products from business and restaurants, to receive and give gifts honoring your fellow nurses, and to get some much-needed appreciation from your hospital or facility (that’s hopefully not just in the form of a keychain or pen).

For those unfamiliar, the first official “National Recognition Day for Nurses” was established on May 6 in 1982 by former President Ronald Reagan’s administration. The American Nurses Association later extended and permanently set the dates for National Nurses Week, which always ends on May 12–Florence Nightingale’s birthday

We’ve got a few tips and reminders to help you make the most of National Nursing Week 2018

Watch for messages from your agency or recruiter

Staffing agencies are quite literally built on the backs of their travelers, and National Nurses Week provides the perfect opportunity for your agency or recruiter to show you some love with great gifts or notes of appreciation.

Keep that cell phone handy during the week, because chances are your agency or recruiter is sending something your way. If they leave you out to dry, that could be a sign it’s time to find a new recruiter or agency that knows how to show their travelers some proper appreciation.

Cash in on some freebies

Lots of businesses big and small like to show their appreciation for hard-working nurses by giving out free products or special discounts on everything, from food to clothing, to nursing gear, and even for educational materials.

One giveaway you can always count on is Cinnabon. Because of their partnership with the DAISY Foundation, nurses can get a free Cinnabon from participating locations all week.

Lots of major corporations like Starbucks, Applebee’s, and Chick-fil-a run special deals or promotions during this time, so wherever you plan to shop and eat, make sure to ask if they have Nursing Week deals.

We’re working on our Nursing Week Freebies 2018 master list now, so you can also check Healthcare Traveler Today throughout the week to see the newest deals as we find them.

Check for events at your facility

If you’re working at a hospital you love, chances are they’ve already got some big plans to celebrate and honor their nursing staff this week.

Some hospitals will offer special breakfasts or luncheons, give out special gifts to their staff, or organize fun events for their nursing staff. If your facility doesn’t have something planned, there are plenty of resources online that can help you plan your own fun ideas for the week.

Enjoy some free learning

ANA is hosting a free webinar scheduled for May 9 titled “Emerging Technology and Its Impact on Nursing Practice”. The webinar will focus on what new tech is coming down the pipe, how that will impact the future of nursing, and what nurses need to know to adapt to these changes.

The best part of the webinar, other than all the free knowledge, is that it counts as continuing education, so long as you individually register before 7 p.m. Eastern Time on May 8. You register and find more info about the webinar by clicking this link.

What are some ways you plan to celebrate National Nurses Week? Let us know in the comments below!