Courage to Soar
Nurses Week Activities
National Nurses Week 2025 is here — and this year, we proudly celebrate our UF Health Nursing Staff's Courage to Soar. Throughout the week, a variety of activities have been planned to recognize your strength, dedication, and compassionate care. Below, you’ll find the full schedule of events, along with a list of local businesses offering special discounts and tokens of appreciation for nursing staff throughout the month of May. Thank you for all that you do — this week is for you!
Nurses Week Activities Schedule
Saturday, May 3
May 3, 0830-1000 – Loblolly Woods
Nature Walk
Escape the hustle and bustle and reconnect with the great outdoors on our rejuvenating nature walk! Guided by Dr. Andreu, a UF professor and expert naturalist, this walk will not only offer a peaceful retreat but also an opportunity to learn about Florida’s diverse ecosystem and how to identify different species. Discover the incredible benefits of nature for your health and well-being while immersing yourself in the tranquility of Loblolly Woods.
Spots are limited so please register in advance!
Tuesday, May 6 – Gator Day
We’re kicking off Day 1 of National Nurses Week with excitement and spirit! Join the fun and show off your best work-appropriate Gator gear for our first spirit day theme: Gator Day! Let’s start the week off strong — Go Gators! Additionally, check out the fun activities happening this day below!
UF Health Shands Hospital room 9433, 1300-1500
Soaring Soiree
Get ready to be treated! Join us for a lively celebration featuring FREE delicious food and snacks, a professional photo booth to capture the fun, games, and exciting door prizes! Don’t miss your chance to relax, have fun, and be celebrated for your hard work!
Where? North tower room 9433
When? May 6, 1300-1500
No RSVP needed! Simply grab some friends and stop by for as much time as you can afford.
UF Health Shands Cancer Hospital Atrium, 1300-1400
Pet Therapy Dogs
The pet therapy dogs will be on-site to help you relax, recharge, and feel the love during Nurses Week. Stop by for a few snuggles, snap a photo, and let these furry friends remind you how appreciated you are!
Where? South tower atrium
When? May 6, 1300-1400
No RSVP needed! Simply grab some friends and stop by for as much time as you can afford.
Snap & Share
Virtual Competition
Don’t forget to fill out prompt 1 by Thursday, May 8 at noon for a chance to win a grand prize!
Wednesday, May 7 – Twin Day
Day 2 of National Nurses Week is all about double the fun — it’s Twin Day! Grab a coworker and dress alike to celebrate this playful spirit day theme. Whether you match from head to toe or coordinate just a little, we can’t wait to see your twinning creativity on display! Additionally, check out the fun activities happening this day below!
UF Health Shands Hospital Atrium, 1300-1400
Pet Therapy Dogs
The pet therapy dogs will be on-site to help you relax, recharge, and feel the love during Nurses Week. Stop by for a few snuggles, snap a photo, and let these furry friends remind you how appreciated you are!
Where? North tower atrium
When? May 7, 1300-1400
No RSVP needed! Simply grab some friends and stop by for as much time as you can afford.
Snap & Share
Virtual Competition
Don’t forget to fill out prompt 1 by Thursday, May 8 at noon for a chance to win a grand prize!
Thursday, May 8 – Silly Sock Day
Step into Day 3 of National Nurses Week with style — it’s Silly Sock Day! Pull on your wackiest, brightest, or most outrageous socks and let your personality shine from the ground up. The sillier, the better — let’s keep the fun rolling all week long! Additionally, check out the fun activities happening this day below!
UF Health HVN Hospital room 8532, 1300-1500
Soaring Soiree
Get ready to be treated! Join us for a lively celebration featuring FREE delicious food and snacks, a professional photo booth to capture the fun, games, and exciting door prizes! Don’t miss your chance to relax, have fun, and be celebrated for your hard work!
Where? East tower room 8532
When? May 8, 1300-1500
No RSVP needed! Simply grab some friends and stop by for as much time as you can afford.
UF Health Children’s Garden, 1400-1530
Pet Therapy Mini Horses
The pet therapy mini horses will be on-site to help you relax, recharge, and feel the love during Nurses Week. Stop by for a few snuggles, snap a photo, and let these hoofed friends remind you how appreciated you are!
Where? Children’s Garden
When? May 8, 1400-1530
No RSVP needed! Simply grab some friends and stop by for as much time as you can afford.
Snap & Share
Virtual Competition
Don’t forget to fill out prompt 1 by TODAY, May 8 at noon for a chance to win a grand prize!
Friday, May 9 – UF Health Spirit Day
Show your colors for Day 4 of National Nurses Week — it’s UF Health Spirit Day! Wear your favorite UF Health gear and join us in celebrating the incredible community that makes this place so special. Let’s fill the halls with UF Health spirit as we honor the amazing work you do every day! Additionally, don’t forget about the virtual activities happening this day!
Caption This!
Virtual Competition
Don’t forget to fill out prompt 2 by Saturday, May 10 at noon for a chance to win a grand prize!
Saturday, May 10 – Bright & Bold Day
Day 5 of National Nurses Week is here! Join the fun for Bright & Bold Day by rocking your most vibrant, eye-catching clothing and accessories. The brighter, the better! Additionally, check out the fun activities happening this day below!
UF Health HVN Hospital room 8532, 1300-1500
Soaring Soiree
Get ready to be treated! Join us for a lively celebration featuring FREE delicious food and snacks, a professional photo booth to capture the fun, games, and exciting door prizes! Don’t miss your chance to relax, have fun, and be celebrated for your hard work!
Where? East tower room 8532
When? May 10, 1300-1500
No RSVP needed! Simply grab some friends and stop by for as much time as you can afford.
Snap & Share
Virtual Competition
Don’t forget to fill out prompt 2 by TODAY, May 10 at noon for a chance to win a grand prize!
Sunday, May 11
Get ready for a fashion-free-for-all — it’s Mismatch Day! Mix, match, and clash your way through the day by wearing mismatched socks, accessories, and clothing. The more outrageous the combo, the better! Let’s celebrate Nurses Week with some perfectly imperfect style! Additionally, don’t forget about the virtual activities happening this day!
Nurse Trivia
Virtual Competition
Don’t forget to fill out prompt 3 by Monday, May 12 at noon for a chance to win a grand prize!
Monday, May 12- Monochromatic Monday
We’re wrapping up Nurses Week with sleek and stylish vibes — it’s Monochromatic Monday! Pick your favorite color and dress from head to toe in every shade of it — or team up with your unit and all wear the same color together! Whether you go solo or coordinate as a group, it’s a fun way to finish the week with a splash of creativity and unity. Additionally, check out the fun activities happening this day below!
UF Health Shands Hospital room 9433, 0700-0900
Soaring Soiree
Get ready to be treated! Join us for a lively celebration featuring FREE delicious food and snacks, a professional photo booth to capture the fun, games, and exciting door prizes! Don’t miss your chance to relax, have fun, and be celebrated for your hard work!
Where? North tower room 9433
When? May 12, 0700-0900
No RSVP needed! Simply grab some friends and stop by for as much time as you can afford.
Nurse Trivia
Virtual Competition
Don’t forget to fill out prompt 3 by TODAY, May 12 at noon for a chance to win a grand prize!
Virtual Competition
Join in on three fun mini competitions during Nurses Week for your chance to win one of several grand prizes! Winners will be announced by email throughout the week, so keep an eye on the inbox you used to register!
Click the links below to play!
Local Discounts
Local discounts for nurses
Nursing Discounts
Explore the list of local businesses offering exclusive discounts and freebies for nursing staff throughout May! Just show your badge between May 6–12 at any of the locations below to receive a special token of appreciation! Please view each card below for specifications of each offer.
May 6 ONLY – Show Your Badge at
Dunkin Donuts
For a free medium iced or hot coffee on May 6th!
May 12 ONLY – Show Your Badge at
McDonalds
For one free meal on May 12th (Egg McMuffin or a Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Biscuit with hash browns and drink OR a double cheeseburger or 6pc nugget with fries and a drink)!
Show your badge at
Chick-Fil-A
For a free sandwich or 8-count nuggets!
Show Your Badge at
Buffalo Wild Wings
For 20% off orders during May 6-12!
Show Your Badge at
Cinnabon
For a free classic cinnamon roll or minibon roll!
Show Your Badge at
Outback Steakhouse
For 10% off your entire order!
Show Your Badge at
Insomnia Cookies
For one free cookie between May 6-12!
Show Your Badge at
Subway
For buy one get one free between May 6-12!
Show Your Badge at
Starbucks
For free coffee May 6-13!