How to Celebrate National Nurses Week: Meaningful Ways to Recognize & Reward Nurses

Nurses are essential to the healthcare system. They provide important patient care and offer emotional support, often working long hours under a lot of pressure. With 4.3 million actively licensed registered nurses (RNs) in the U.S. and 3.5 million currently working, their contributions are immeasurable.

To honor their dedication, National Nurses Week, celebrated from May 6-12, offers the perfect opportunity for employers, communities, and individuals to recognize their hard work. The week concludes on May 12, Florence Nightingale’s birthday, paying homage to the founder of modern nursing.

However, beyond the celebration, it’s important to acknowledge the challenges nurses face—burnout, understaffing, and high-risk working conditions—and take meaningful steps to support and retain them.

A Brief History of National Nurses Week

National Nurses Week is an annual celebration that recognizes the dedication and contributions of nurses across the U.S. The observance runs from May 6-12, ending on Florence Nightingale’s birthday, the founder of modern nursing.

The journey to officially recognizing nurses began in 1953, when a proposal for “Nurse Day” was sent to President Eisenhower. However, it wasn’t until 1982 that May 6 was officially designated as National Nurses Day, and in 1993, the American Nurses Association (ANA) established the full National Nurses Week we celebrate today.

This week serves as both a celebration and a call to action—honoring the essential role of nurses while also advocating for better workplace conditions, recognition, and support.

Why Nurse Appreciation Matters More Than Ever

Despite 80% of nurses reporting overall job satisfaction, burnout is at an all-time high, with 82% of RNs stating they’ve felt burned out at some point in their career. The pandemic also led to the departure of 195,000 RNs from the workforce, with only 43% planning to return. These trends highlight the urgent need for nurse appreciation and retention efforts.

Acknowledging nurses’ hard work during National Nurses Week isn’t just a kind gesture—it’s a strategic move to boost morale, job satisfaction, and retention in a field facing a projected shortage of 337,970 RNs by 2036.

Ways to Celebrate National Nurses Week

1. Show Appreciation Through Personalized Recognition

A simple but powerful way to honor nurses is through personalized recognition.

• Host a thank-you breakfast or luncheon
• Create a recognition wall with personalized messages from leadership, coworkers, and patients
• Give out "Nurse of the Year" or "Everyday Hero" awards

When appreciation is personalized, it resonates more deeply, reinforcing how much nurses' efforts are truly valued.

2. Offer Meaningful Rewards

Traditional gifts like flowers or branded merchandise are nice, but nurses often prefer flexible rewards they can actually use. Gift cards are an ideal option because they provide choice and allow nurses to treat themselves or purchase essentials.

With the Engage2Reward™ Gift Card Ordering Platform, employers and administrators can quickly and easily distribute digital or physical gift cards from top brands. Whether it’s for self-care, travel, dining, or everyday essentials, the Engage2Reward Platform's gift card catalog has something for everyone.

The platform offers:

• Instant Delivery: Send eGift cards via text or email for immediate access.
• Personalization Options: Add individualized messages, animated greeting cards, and photos to make each gift special.

One of the most impactful ways to show appreciation during National Nurses Week is by offering a reward that truly meets each nurse’s individual needs. The Engage2Reward™ Choice Card does exactly that—giving nurses the freedom to select from over 250 top digital gift card brands across multiple categories, including:

• Self-Care & Wellness: Spa treatments and beauty brands
• Dining & Coffee: Popular restaurants, cafes, and food delivery services
• Travel & Experiences: Hotels, airlines, and entertainment venues
• Retail & Essentials: Grocery stores, department stores, pharmacies, and online shopping platforms

Why Choose the Engage2Reward Choice Card?

• Ultimate Flexibility: Instead of guessing what your nurses would appreciate most, let them decide! The Engage2Reward Choice Card empowers them to pick a gift card that aligns with their lifestyle and needs.
• Easy, Instant Delivery: Send digital gift cards via email or text, ensuring seamless and timely recognition.
• Personalized Touch: Add a heartfelt message, company logo, or an animated greeting card to make your appreciation more meaningful.
• Streamlined Ordering – Employers and administrators can order in bulk, manage multiple recipients, and track rewards through the Engage2Reward Platform, making the process efficient and hassle-free.

By choosing the Engage2Reward Choice Card, organizations can celebrate nurses in a personal and practical way. This ensures nurses feel valued for their hard work by giving them the freedom to choose what is most meaningful to them.

3. Provide Mental Health and Wellness Support

Burnout is a serious issue in nursing, with 50% of RNs citing overwork as a reason for leaving. Addressing their mental well-being is crucial.

• Offer onsite or virtual mental health resources
• Provide free or discounted fitness memberships
• Encourage self-care days or additional paid time off

Supporting nurses’ mental health not only helps them personally but also improves their ability to provide quality patient care.

4. Invest in Career Growth and Education

With RNs holding approximately $48 billion in student loan debt, educational benefits can be a highly impactful way to show appreciation.

• Offer tuition reimbursement or student loan assistance
• Sponsor continuing education opportunities
• Provide scholarships for advanced certifications

When organizations invest in nurses’ growth, they reinforce a culture of long-term support and career advancement.

Celebrating Nurses Beyond National Nurses Week

While National Nurses Week shines a spotlight on appreciation, recognizing and supporting nurses should be an ongoing effort.

By combining thoughtful recognition, meaningful rewards, wellness initiatives, and professional growth opportunities, organizations can help combat burnout, boost morale, and ultimately improve nurse retention.

If you’re looking for a seamless way to reward your nursing staff, the Engage2Reward Gift Card Ordering Platform makes it simple to send digital gift cards to nurses instantly—because every hardworking nurse deserves a reward that truly matters.

What are you doing to celebrate nurses this year? Let us know how you’re making an impact!