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 5/15, 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!
UF Health shands hospital, Room h-1, 1200-1400
Free Chick-fil-A lunch provided by Campus USA
Stop by room H-1 in the North Tower on May 7 between 1200-1400 for a free Chick-fil-A lunch provided by Campus USA. Free food will be provided while supplies last.
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 5/15, 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!
UF Health Shands Hospital, Room H-1, 1400-1600
Ice Cream Social provided by Campus USA
Stop by room H-1 in the North Tower on May 8 between 1400-1600 for free ice cream provided by Campus USA. Free ice cream will be provided while supplies last.
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 5/18, 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 5/18, 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 5/18, 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 Shands Hospital, Room h-1, 1200-1500
Spin the Wheel for Prizes
Stop by room H-1 in the North Tower on May 11 between 1200-1500 to spin the wheel for prizes provided by Campus USA. Free prizes will be provided while supplies last.
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 5/20, 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 5/20, the prize will be awarded to another individual. So, be on the lookout!!!
Due 5/18
Magnet Kickoff Theme Virtual Contest
Help us shape our Magnet journey by participating in our 6th designation Magnet Theme Contest! Fill out the survey prompt to submit your creative idea for a redesignation theme that captures our purpose, passion, and commitment to nursing excellence!
Submit your theme by 5/18. All entries are eligible for a prize drawing.
Virtual Competition
Join in on our 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.
Fill out this online form to get a
Zaxby’s Discount Code
Fill out this form with your information and an optional workplace photo to receive a discount code to Zaxby’s! You can use the code in the app at the Gainesville Newberry Road location or any of the other locations listed on the page linked below. One code per person.
REgister by april 30 at 4pm for a
Free BBQ Sandwich from Sonnys
All you have to do is verify that you’re a nurse using the link below on the website. Complete the form and sign up for Rewards by Thursday, April 30, 4pm EDT to receive your free BBQ Pork, Turkey or Chicken Sandwich. Your free BBQ Pork, Turkey or Chicken Sandwich will be added to your Sonny’s Rewards account. Show your Nurses ID card to your server when dining in or picking up. Or, add the sandwich of your choice to your cart and apply the reward when ordering online.
Show your badge between 5/4-5/8 for a
Free Chick-fil-A Sandwich or Nuggets
Receive a FREE Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich or 8 count nugget when you present your nurse ID. One item per person per ID. Valid at the Archer Road, Oaks Mall, The Standard, and Alachua locations between 5/4-5/8.
Show your badge between 5/4-5/8 for a
Free Drink at McAlister’s Deli
Valid for educators and nurses from 5/4 – 5/8/25 for one (1) Big Sweet Tea, Unsweet Tea, ½ Sweet & ½ Unsweet Tea, or ½ Lemonade & ½ Sweet/Unsweet Tea (flavor shots excluded) on us in store at participating locations only. Must show valid educator or medical ID at checkout. Limit one per person. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited.
Show your badge for a
Free Medium Drink on May 5 at Scooter’s Coffee
Kicking off National Nurses Week a day early, on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, nurses and healthcare workers can receive a free medium drink at participating Scooter’s Coffee locations with a valid healthcare ID. Offer is not eligible for mobile order ahead.
Enter to win a
Free burrito from Chipotle
Chipotle is offering $1 million in free Chipotle for healthcare workers as a thank you for the wonderful work you do.
View the AACN’s list of freebies and discounts here!
Through every shift, your dedication makes a difference. AACN has put together a collection of freebies and discounts to celebrate you—take advantage of these offers and know how much you’re valued in the healthcare community.
Please note: These offers are accurate as of April 6, 2026, and may be subject to change.