Compassion, Care, Resilience – On Purpose
Nurses Week Activities
National Nurses Week 2026 (May 6–12) celebrates the purpose and passion that nurses bring to their work every day. Inspired by the AACN theme “On Purpose,” this week is an opportunity to recognize the impact of nursing and the intention behind the care you provide. Explore this page to find all the activities, themed days, and opportunities to celebrate and reflect with colleagues across UF Health.
Nurses Week Activities Schedule
Wednesday, May 6 – Dress with Intention
We’re kicking off Day 1 of National Nurses Week with purpose and intention! Choose a color from the image below and wear it (work-appropriate attire) to symbolize your intention for the week. Additionally, check out the fun activities happening this day below!
UF Health Heart and Vascular Medicine Hospital, Floor 8, Room 8532, 0700-0900
Morning Soiree #1
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? HVN Room 8532
When? May 6, 0700-0900
No RSVP needed! Simply grab some friends and stop by for as much time as you can afford.
UF Health Shands Hospital Atrium, 1300-1400
Dog Therapy
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 6, 1300-1400
No RSVP needed! Simply grab some friends and stop by for as much time as you can afford.
Called On Purpose, 5/6 – 5/8
Virtual Competition
Don’t forget to fill out prompt 1 by Friday, May 8 at noon for a chance to win a $50 Amazon e-gift card!
Winners will be announced in the afternoon on Friday, 5/8. If you are the winner, you will receive a message from GatorCare Wellness to the email you provided. If you do not respond to the winner email by 5/12, the prize will be awarded to another individual. So, be on the lookout!!!
Thursday, May 7 – Crazy Sock Day
Day 2 of National Nurses Week, we’re mixing things up and stepping in with style. Get ready for Crazy Sock Day! Grab your favorite crazy socks and have some fun. Think bold, bright, mismatched, patterned — anything that brings a smile to your face! Additionally, check out the fun activities happening this day below!
Called On Purpose, 5/6 – 5/8
Virtual Competition
Don’t forget to fill out prompt 1 by Friday, May 8 at noon for a chance to win a $50 Amazon e-gift card!
Winners will be announced in the afternoon on Friday, 5/8. If you are the winner, you will receive a message from GatorCare Wellness to the email you provided. If you do not respond to the winner email by 5/12, the prize will be awarded to another individual. So, be on the lookout!!!
Friday, May 8 – Twin Day
We’re seeing double on Day 3 of National Nurses Week! Partner up with a coworker (or multiple) and match for a day. Twinning is winning! Additionally, check out the fun activities happening this day below!
Excellent Care On Purpose, 5/8 – 5/11
Virtual Competition
Don’t forget to fill out prompt 2 by Monday, May 11 at noon for a chance to win a $50 Amazon e-gift card!
Winners will be announced in the afternoon on Monday, 5/11. If you are the winner, you will receive a message from GatorCare Wellness to the email you provided. If you do not respond to the winner email by 5/13, the prize will be awarded to another individual. So, be on the lookout!!!
Saturday, May 9 – UF Health Spirit Day
Show off your UF Health pride 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!
UF Health Heart and Vascular Medicine Hospital, Floor 8, Room 8532, 1300-1500
Afternoon Soiree #2
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? HVN Room 8532
When? May 9, 1300-1500
No RSVP needed! Simply grab some friends and stop by for as much time as you can afford.
Excellent Care on purpose, 5/8-5/11
Virtual Competition
Don’t forget to fill out prompt 2 by Monday, May 11 at noon for a chance to win a $50 Amazon e-gift card!
Winners will be announced in the afternoon on Monday, 5/11. If you are the winner, you will receive a message from GatorCare Wellness to the email you provided. If you do not respond to the winner email by 5/13, the prize will be awarded to another individual. So, be on the lookout!!!
Sunday, May 10 – Going Wild
Day 5 of National Nurses Week is here! Celebrate Going Wild Day by showing off your wild side. Wear animal print, mismatched pieces, and/or bold, eye-catching colors. The more fun and unexpected, the better! Be sure to check out the exciting activities happening today below.
UF Health Shands Hospital Atrium, 1300-1400
Dog Therapy
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 10, 1300-1400
No RSVP needed! Simply grab some friends and stop by for as much time as you can afford.
Excellent Care on purpose, 5/8-5/11
Virtual Competition
Don’t forget to fill out prompt 2 by Monday, May 11 at noon for a chance to win a $50 Amazon e-gift card!
Winners will be announced in the afternoon on Monday, 5/11. If you are the winner, you will receive a message from GatorCare Wellness to the email you provided. If you do not respond to the winner email by 5/13, the prize will be awarded to another individual. So, be on the lookout!!!
Monday, May 11 – Gator Day
Day 6 of National Nurses Week is here! Celebrate Gator Day by showing your Gator pride and wearing your favorite orange and blue. Whether it’s scrubs, accessories, or spirit gear, join the fun and represent in true Gator style! Be sure to check out the activities happening today below.
UF Health Shands Hospital, Floor 9, room 9433, 0700-0900
Morning Soiree #3
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, floor 9, Room 9433
When? May 11, 0700-0900
No RSVP needed! Simply grab some friends and stop by for as much time as you can afford.
On Zoom, 1200-1300
Healing from Compassion Fatigue Webinar
Join Talkspace experts for Healing from Compassion Fatigue, a supportive webinar focused on understanding what compassion fatigue is, how it can impact your well-being, and practical steps you can take to move toward healing and restoration.
UF Health Cancer Hospital Atrium, 1300-1400
Dog Therapy
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 11, 1300-1400
No RSVP needed! Simply grab some friends and stop by for as much time as you can afford.
Wellness on purpose, 5/11-5/13
Virtual Competition
Don’t forget to fill out prompt 3 by Wednesday, May 13 at noon for a chance to win a $50 Amazon e-gift card!
Winners will be announced in the afternoon on Wednesday, 5/13. If you are the winner, you will receive a message from GatorCare Wellness to the email you provided. If you do not respond to the winner email by 5/15, the prize will be awarded to another individual. So, be on the lookout!!!
Tuesday, May 12- Hawaiian Day
We’re wrapping up Nurses Week with laidback, island vibes — it’s Hawaiian Day! Celebrate Hawaiian Day by bringing a little island spirit to your shift. Wear your favorite tropical prints, bright florals, or festive accessories to help create a relaxed, beachy vibe. Be sure to check out the fun activities happening today below!
UF Health Shands Hospital, floor 6, room 6433, 1300-1500
Afternoon Soiree #4
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, floor 6, room 6433
When? May 12, 1300-1500
No RSVP needed! Simply grab some friends and stop by for as much time as you can afford.
Wellness on purpose, 5/11-5/13
Virtual Competition
Don’t forget to fill out prompt 3 by Wednesday, May 13 at noon for a chance to win a $50 Amazon e-gift card!
Winners will be announced in the afternoon on Wednesday, 5/13. If you are the winner, you will receive a message from GatorCare Wellness to the email you provided. If you do not respond to the winner email by 5/15, the prize will be awarded to another individual. So, be on the lookout!!!
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.
Show your badge at
Massage Envy
For a complimentary one-hour service. Promotion valid for first time guests only. Call 352-373-3689 to book your “Essential to Massage Envy” session. Appointments are encouraged on Mondays & Thursdays.