What do nurses actually want for Nurses Week? Hint: Probably more than a pizza party. If you’re looking for Nurses Week ideas with more meaning, Credenza is here to help you come up with new ways to recognize America’s most trusted profession.
Working as a nurse can be challenging. You may face difficult patients, shifts with never-ending tasks, and the heavy responsibility to do more with less. You use your compassion and clinical skills to care for others, and that’s no small feat — your dedication to patients deserves to be recognized. Whether you’re a CNA, LPN, RN, NP, nurse leader, or another nursing professional, you deserve a celebration that highlights your skill and commitment.
Nurses appreciation week was formed to do just that. Every year, this celebration falls between May 6 and 12, which is also Florence Nightingale’s birthday. In 1982, the American Nurses Association (ANA) named May 6 National Nurses Day, and the celebration was lengthened to a full week in 1990. Learn more about the history of Nurses Week.
The ANA also designates Nurses Week themes to highlight trends and issues in the nursing profession. This year's Nurses Week theme is The Power of Nurses, highlighting the essential work and challenges that nurses take on across the globe.
7 Celebration Ideas for Nurses Week
It's impossible to sum up your accomplishments in a gift card, so here are seven Nurses Week ideas to honor yourself and the nurses in your life. For each idea, we've included helpful links and resources to help you celebrate.
- Improve wellness
- Celebrate quality
- Treat yourself and others
- Upgrade your everyday tools
- Level up your career
- Speak your mind and make a difference
- Take some time
1. Improve Wellness
Self-care is more than lighting scented candles and listening to positive affirmations. This Nurses Week, think about the meaningful ways you can make your life easier. Maybe that means learning the basics of financial planning, cutting back on sugary snacks, or buying a gym membership. Check out our practical Nurses Week ideas and resources to help you live more fully as a nurse.
Discover Practical Self-Care Tips for Nurses
Practical self-care doesn’t have to mean spa days or bubble baths (unless that’s your thing). Take this week to prioritize your mental, physical, and emotional health. What’s something you’ve wanted to do for so long but kept putting off? Make space for friends and hobbies you enjoy, have a lazy weekend in bed with your favorite shows, or finally take that weekend trip you’ve been dreaming about. Stop postponing your joy — it’s time to enjoy it now.
Find Ways to Deal With Stress in Nursing
Nursing can be high-stakes and high-stress. Between patient care, constant coordination, and trying to sneak in a snack break, some days are nonstop. This Nurses Week, take time to destress and relax — maybe go for a long walk in nature, try out a new relaxing meditation, or have an honest conversation with someone who can really listen and understand.
Create a Wellness Pre-Shift Ritual
Are you struggling with pre-shift anxiety? You’re not alone. Whether it’s the dread of back-to-back admits or uncertainty about who you’ll be working with, that anxious pit in your stomach is something many nurses know too well. Instead of letting anxiety take over, build a wellness pre-shift ritual — a warm cup of coffee or tea, a few slow breaths in your car, or visualizing a smooth shift before you clock in.
Equip Yourself with Tools for Tough Patients
Do you know what to do if a patient is verbally or physically aggressive to staff? As a nurse, you have the right to a safe workplace. Know your policies for who to call in an emergency, learn about de-escalation strategies, and have a protocol in place for difficult patients. A solid plan can give you peace of mind and keep you safer on shift.
2. Celebrate Quality
In every shift, you work towards giving people the best care possible. What you do makes a difference for patients, their families, and your teammates. The following Nurses Week ideas highlight ways to renew your commitment to the profession.
Check Out Our Tips on Nursing Professionalism
Professionalism in nursing isn't just about dressing nicely for work. Being a professional nurse involves embodying ethical, evidence-based care standards. Refresh your knowledge of nursing professionalism to avoid unprofessional conduct.
Refresh Your Knowledge of High-Quality Care
Quality care isn't just about charting and vitals — it's about how you show up as a nursing professional. Your autonomy, honesty, and veracity make you a trusted and essential clinician. Voicing your boundaries and communicating well with patients are important qualities, too. Learn more about the specific attributes of high-quality nursing care, and how you can embody them in your next shift.
Update Your Ethics Knowledge
The ANA Code of Ethics highlights essential principles for nursing professionals that can help you navigate the complexities of patient care. From patient privacy to professional boundaries and even your right to self-care, the updated code reflects the evolving role of nurses today. Take a moment this week to reconnect with the ethical principles that guide your practice.
3. Treat Yourself and Others
Giveaways and promotions are great Nurses Week ideas. A healthier, more supportive workplace is even better. This Nurses Week, treat yourself to both.
Explore Discounts for Nurses
From comfy shoes to phone plans and even travel perks, many brands say thanks to nurses with exclusive deals. Whether you're shopping for yourself or you plan to surprise a fellow nurse, these discounts are a great way to treat yourself without spending full price.
Get Gifts for Free
Nurses Week ideas can spark fun ways to celebrate. But did you know you can receive meaningful gifts, exclusive discounts, and special perks just for being a nurse? Take advantage of the many Nurses Week freebies and discounts that companies use to show their appreciation. We've compiled a list of the best travel deals, free food and drinks, and other discounts.
Bust Misperceptions About Nurses
Are nurses really mean? The reality is, stress and burnout can wear down anyone. Learn how workplace pressures shape perceptions, and how you can help rewrite the narrative by supporting a culture of kindness, honesty, and mutual respect.
Learn How to Respond to Incivility in Nursing
Snide comments, cold shoulders, or unprofessional behavior can throw off your whole shift. Don't just shrug it off — use it as an opportunity to learn how to set boundaries. Order a self-help book, sign up for a verbal self-defense class, or work with a career coach. Equipping yourself with practical strategies to handle uncomfortable situations at work can significantly improve your personal and professional life.
4. Upgrade Your Everyday Tools
Whether it's a new pair of scissors or shoes that don't destroy your feet, upgrading your go-to gear can make your shifts smoother and more comfortable. Treat yourself to Nurses Week ideas and recommendations from other nursing professionals.
Refresh Your Scrub Rotation
Nothing beats the feeling of fresh scrubs. If your current lineup is looking a little faded or frumpy, check out some of the best scrubs for nurses — based on real reviews from working nursing professionals. It's the easiest way to shop smart and stay comfy.
Explore the Best Shoes for Nurses
If your feet work overtime, your shoes should too. Whether you're into cushiony sneakers, classic clogs, or something sleek and supportive, investing in the right pair can transform your workday. Check out our guide on the best shoes for nurses.
Discover the Best Bags for Nurses
Between your medical accessories, snacks, and personal items, you carry a lot. Stay organized without adding extra bulk to your already burdened shoulders. Whether you’re looking for a small fanny pack or a roomy carryall built for busy days, the right bag can help lighten the load. See some of the top bags for nurses, designed to handle everything your day throws at you.
Create Your Personalized Survival Kit
What helps you come back to yourself after a hard day? Build your own nurse survival kit — a gift for your future self — and fill it with things that bring even a small sense of ease when things feel heavy. From soothing scented candles and go-to snacks to quirky compression socks and inspirational quotes, your kit can be as simple or as extra as you need it to be.
5. Level Up Your Career
Looking for a happier nursing role? Seeking more skills in a new specialty? Whether you dream of working in a nontraditional job, earning a certification, or scaling the leadership ladder, a nursing career change could be just what the doctor ordered. If you're looking to breathe life back into your work, these Nurses Week ideas aim to help you explore your options.
Quit the Job You Hate
Sometimes the best gift you can give yourself is letting go — let go of a job you don’t love, of limiting beliefs, and even of people who put you down. If you're not happy at your current workplace, it may be time to part ways. Learn about practical strategies to leave your current role without burning bridges or losing potential opportunities. And our resources on nursing resumes and nursing cover letters can help you land a great new job.
Pursue a New Certification
Earning a specialty certification can help boost your confidence and even earn more income as a nurse. Plus, if you've got a few years of experience, you probably already qualify for many certifications for nurses. Learn more about the best RN and LPN certifications for your career.
Try Non-Bedside Roles
Ready for a break from bedside care? Nurses are valuable across industries, and you don't have to work in patient care to celebrate Nurses Week. Ideas for other industries include tech, education, remote work, consulting, and much more. Check out the nonclinical career options that a nursing background can qualify you for.
Change Your Career
Sometimes being a happy nurse means stepping away from the profession for a while. If you’re feeling burned out, no amount of bubble baths will truly fix the issue. And sometimes, the best gift you can give yourself is exploring a completely new path where you can still use your knowledge and skills, just in a different way — whether that’s non-clinical work, consulting, or even something entrepreneurial.
Find Nursing Roles Hiring Now
If you're looking for a new nursing job, you've come to the right place. Credenza has thousands of jobs for nursing professionals like you. Check out the organizations in your area that need clinicians right now.
6. Speak Your Mind and Make a Difference
You advocate for patients every day. What about advocating for yourself and your fellow nurses? If you have suggestions for your unit or the whole nursing profession, you have a voice. Check out our Nurses Week ideas for practicing equity and professionalism in your nursing practice.
Get Inspired by Famous Nurses in History
The nursing profession has been led by fantastic leaders and trailblazers. Did you know Clara Barton and Harriet Tubman were nurses? Brush up on your nursing history and get inspired this Nurses Week by learning about famous nurses.
Learn About Social Justice in Nursing
As a nurse, social justice is a core value in professional ethics. Nurses can drive change around health disparities, access to care, and workplace equity. Learn about what social justice looks like in nursing, and how you can promote it on your next nursing assignment.
Use Your Voice on Social Media
When used well, social media can be a tool for advocacy and connecting with others. Nurses can make their voices heard on social platforms to shine a light on ethical problems, health misinformation, and more. Learn about guidelines for nurses on social media so you can be safe online.
Practice Assertive Communication Strategies
Do you feel equipped to advocate for yourself and others? Being an assertive communicator can be challenging. Learn about practical skills for making your voice heard, so you can express your needs and manage conflicts when they arise.
7. Take Some Time
Taking time away from work is a normal and essential part of a sustainable nursing career. And you’ve got options — you might get away by taking a vacation, attending a conference, or even working abroad. Check out our Nurses Week ideas for getting off the clock or taking your career to new places.
Take a Leave of Absence
Burnout is real, and sometimes you need more than just a weekend to reset. There are several ways to take a leave of absence from your nursing role. Learn about how to take FMLA and ADA leave, or use your company's leave policy to take the time you need.
Attend a Conference
Going to nursing conferences can help you connect with fellow clinicians, network for career opportunities, and stay updated on changes in your specialty — all while taking a break from work! Plus, some conferences are held in pretty cool places. Browse some top picks for conferences that combine education with a change of scenery.
Bring Your Skills on a Cruise
Ready to set sail? Nurses work on the high seas to keep vacationers and staff healthy. Learn about what it's like to work in this unique role, and how you can take the first steps to earning your sea legs as a cruise ship nurse.
Celebrate Nurses Week With New Opportunities
If you're unhappy in your current nursing job, even the best Nurses Week ideas might not fix it. You deserve to love what you do, and Credenza is here to help you find the best-fitting nursing jobs that align with your skills and preferences.