2025 Nurses Week Ideas: 7 Ways to Celebrate
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, IntelyCare 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. Nurses are essential to population health, and Nurses Week is a token of appreciation for your efforts year-round.
How to Make Nurses Week Special
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 bubble baths and drinking enough water. This Nurses Week, think about the ways you can make your work or home life easier. Maybe that’s building a budget so your finances feel less stressful, or booking a new workout class for yourself. 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
Use this week as a reminder to care for the person behind the scrubs — you. 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. That might include journaling, organizing time for friends and hobbies you enjoy, or advocating for staffing that helps make your job easier.
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, look for ways to manage your stress — maybe a walk after work, a quick meditation, or just a few minutes of deep breathing in your car.
Learn Tips to Manage Pre-Shift Anxiety
Do you find yourself worrying about your next shift? 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. Lower your pre-shift anxiety by taking care of yourself at work or finding yourself a community outside of work. And if the conditions in your workplace aren’t conducive to your happiness, it’s okay to seek new opportunities.
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 professional nursing.
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.
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.
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 surprising a fellow nurse, these discounts are a great way to treat yourself without spending full price.
Get Free Stuff
If you’re looking for a free coffee, sandwich, or even a pair of shoes, 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 to help you celebrate.
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 — learn how to respond with calm, confidence, and clarity. Equip yourself with practical strategies to handle uncomfortable situations at work, so you can go into your next shift with more confidence.
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 our guide to 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 Compression Socks for Nurses
Compression socks are designed to gently squeeze your feet and ankles while you walk, and they can help prevent varicose veins and soreness after a long day on your feet. See some of the top compression socks for nurses, and give yourself a softer next shift.
Find the Best Medical Scissors
If you work in the emergency department, rapid response, or as a first responder, sturdy medical scissors are a must. Our list of scissors and shears features everything from multitool accessories to basic medical scissors to help you upgrade your nursing kit.
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
All the emotional intelligence and empathy in the world can’t solve a dysfunctional workplace or a specialty area you’re not passionate about. If you’re ready to take the leap into your next career phase, 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.
Transition Away From the Bedside
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.
Find Nursing Roles Hiring Now
If you’re looking for a new nursing job, you’ve come to the right place. IntelyCare has thousands of jobs for nursing professionals like you. Check out the well-known 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.
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.
Get Inspired by Famous Nurses in History
The nursing profession has been led by fantastic leaders and trailblazers. Did you know Harriet Tubman and Walt Whitman were nurses? Brush up on your nursing history and get inspired this Nurses Week by learning about famous nurses throughout history.
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 a nursing conference 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 be treated well the whole year. IntelyCare has roles across the nation for nursing professionals like you. Start receiving our personalized nursing job notifications to start learning about fresh opportunities.