UPDATE: National Nurses Week continues through May 12. Some deals have already taken place since this article first published. Crocs is giving away 10,000 free pairs starting Monday through May 14.
Teachers aren't the only professionals being shown some appreciation this week.
Members of the nation's most-trusted profession – nurses – are, too.
Select restaurants across the nation are showing nurses a little love by offering freebies and discounts for National Nurses Week, which officially kicks off Thursday with National Nurses Day.
The week goes through May 12, which was the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. The dates of the special offers and participation varies by location.
Dunkin', which has more than 9,000 U.S. locations, has one of the biggest deals for Nurses Day. On Thursday, health care workers who show their ID get a free medium hot or iced coffee at participating locations.
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Chipotle Mexican Grill also is giving away 250,000 codes for free burritos to nurses and health care workers while supplies last.
The analytics company Gallup has consistently named nursing as the most-trusted profession in its ratings of honesty and ethical standards in professions. In the most recent poll from 2020, nurses earned a record 89% very high/high score for their honesty and ethics, which was four percentage points greater than in 2019.
Free Crocs for nurses giveaway
Beginning Monday, Crocs will give away 10,000 free pairs of shoes a day for five days to health care workers for their "Free Pair for Healthcare" program.
Through May 14, they will be able to request a pair starting at noon ET at Crocs.com and until the day's free pair allotment has been fulfilled.
The gesture repeats the company's efforts last year when they gave over 860,000 free pairs of Crocs to health care workers as the COVID-19 pandemic began.
Nurses Week, National Nurses Day deals and freebies
Participation and offers can vary by location. To be on the safe side, always check with your closest location before heading out. Also, some will require you to have a restaurant's app or be signed up for emails.
BAYADA Home Health Care: Through May 12, the not-for-profit provider is hosting a “What’s Your Wish” giveaway on NursesWeek.com, where 50 nurses will be randomly selected to win a prize kit. The website also offers access to online expert speaker sessions, panel discussions and a menu of virtual courses for which nurses can earn up to seven Continuing Education credits for free.
Biggby Coffee: Nurses get a free 16-ounce beverage of choice Thursday with a medical ID. While supplies last retractable badge holders also will be given out.
Chipotle Mexican Grill: The fast-casual restaurant chain is giving 250,000 codes for free burritos to nurses, medical providers and hospital providers while supplies last. Sign up at giving.chipotle.com/healthcareheroes. Chipotle also is giving away free buy-one-get-one free codes through Friday as part of a Cinco de Mayo promotion.
Insomnia Cookies: Through May 9, nurses get a free classic cookie with their work ID, no purchase necessary. Or they can get a free six-pack with any purchase.
Dunkin’: All health care workers get a free medium hot or iced coffee Thursday when they show their ID. No purchase is necessary.
Jimmy John's: Get $5 off online and app orders $20 or more with promo code 5OFF20 through June 13. The discount can't be combined with other offers or rewards.
Juice It Up!: With a medical ID, nurses and other "hospital heroes" get a free medium classic smoothie Monday, May 10.
McAlister's Deli: Nurses get a free tea through Friday when they show their badge or ID. Also, through Thursday, the chain is taking nominations for a nurse to win free catering on its website. Those who submit a nomination will receive a free tea promotion code to use within 14 days but will need to be a member of the McAlister’s Deli rewards program to redeem. Winners will be announced Friday.
NTB Tire & Service Centers: Ongoing discounts for health care workers who show their ID include a conventional oil change for $18.99, 10% off tires and 20% off services.
O'Charley's Restaurant + Bar: From Thursday through May 12, nurses get a free slice of pie when dining in with a valid ID. One free piece of pie per check, and the deal is not valid with any other offer or discount.
Outback Steakhouse: As part of the chain's Heroes Discount, nurses, doctors, medical staff get 10% off their check daily with a medical ID. Military veterans, law enforcement and first responders also get the discount when they show their state or federal service ID.
Panda Express: The chain has extended its 10% discount for frontline workers, including nurses, through Dec. 31, 2021. Show a valid ID to get the discount.
The Parking Spot: From Thursday through May 12, nurses get 25% off airport parking and 10% off thereafter at the nation’s largest near-airport parking company with 37 lots across 22 U.S. cities. Sign up for the “Healthcare Heroes” discount at theparkingspot.com.
PDQ: Through May 13, with the purchase of 10 or more boxed lunches, customers will receive $1 off every box.
Potbelly Sandwich Shop: Nurses get one free cookie or fountain drink with the purchase of an entree through May 12.
Staples: Health care workers and first responders get 25% off in-store purchases through Saturday at Staples with their ID and coupon code 50668, which is in the weekly ad. Some exclusions apply.
Tijuana Flats: Nurses get a free entrée on Friday by using the code TYVM2575 at checkout. Valid ID must be presented when arriving at the restaurant to pick up the order, and the maximum value of the free item is $9.99 plus tax. The chain says it may have a limited menu online and on the restaurant’s app this week because of "projected high order volume" but said items that appear unavailable online or on the app can be ordered in-person at restaurants.
Tire Kingdom: Ongoing discounts for health care workers who show their ID include a conventional oil change for $18.99, 10% off tires and 20% off services.
Zaxby's: The chain with more than 900 locations in 17 states is offering nurses with a valid ID a buy-one-get-one Big Zax Snak Meal Thursday while supplies last.
More deals: Individual franchises of national chains might also have freebies and specials for nurses. Locally owned businesses also will honor nurses, and one of the easiest ways to find out is to check restaurants' social media channels.
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Contributing: Asha C. Gilbert, USA TODAY
Follow USA TODAY reporter Kelly Tyko on Twitter: @KellyTyko
