As National Nurses Week kicks off today, the world honors nurses around the world, our modern-day heroes fighting the COVID-19 epidemic.

Historically, National Nurses Week, celebrates the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. Nightingale served during the Crimean War treating injured soldiers, and upon realizing most of them were dying of infections due to the unhygienic conditions, she instituted new practices that improved conditions and mortality rates.

Working even on the wee hours, Nightingale became known as "The Lady with the Lamp" due to her habit of making rounds each night.

In 1974, President Richard Nixon proclaimed National Nurses Week, and in 1982, the United States Congress designated May 6 as National Recognition Day for Nurses approved by President Ronald Reagan. Sometime later in 1990, the ANA Board of Directors expanded the recognition to the week-long celebration known as National Nurses Week from May 6-12.

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, thousands of nurses across the U.S. have contracted COVID-19.


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Nurses Week Deals

This National Nurses Week, many stores are offering a range of freebies and discounts exclusive to including nurses - from free meals to free shoes - which you can claim by just showing a valid ID. Here are some of them:

Adidas: The shoe brand is offering 40 percent off purchases on its website for verified medical professionals, first responders, nurses, and military members. You can verify your ID by visiting adidas.com/us/discount-programs.

Chipotle: Starting today, May 6, you can get a free burrito on Chipotle. Check the eligibility requirements on Chipotle's offer website.

Circle K: Those who wish to avail of free coffee and tea, just show a valid ID.

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf: You can avail of any size of coffee or any tea and have $1 off any specialty beverages in this coffee shop chain.

Crocs: Avail free shoes every day on Crocs' website at noon ET. The freebie is available through the offer website.

Dunkin': You can get a free medium hot or iced coffee and a free doughnut when visiting operating locations today, May 6.

Krispy Kreme: You can get a dozen doughnut for free every Monday from March 30 through May 11.

Mrs. Fields: Get 25 percent off the 'Heroes Collection' of cookie cakes and tins with the code NURSES, which is valid through May 31.

Nike: You can get a 20 percent discount through Nike's online store. Just visit nike.com/help/a/first-responder-discount

The North Face: From April 14 to December 31 you can get a 50 percent discount to purchases on The North Face. To verify eligibility, visit the offer page.

Snickers: Coupons for free Snickers bars are available and validated at Walmart. You can also send a coupon to your colleagues by visiting sendasnickersfromhome.com.

Starbucks: You can also avail of free coffee from this coffee chain giant.

This National Nurses Week, we can honor the efforts of our nurses fighting the COVID-19 in our little ways. Thank a nurse today.