40 ideas to celebrate National Nurses Week 2026

National Nurses Week (May 11–17, 2026) is more than a calendar event — it’s a well-deserved spotlight on the 4.7 million registered nurses in the U.S. who keep the healthcare system upright, often on sheer grit and a double shift.

Starting on International Nurses Day (May 12), this week is your cue to recognize the dedication, skill, and compassion nurses bring to every hallway, home visit, and hospital room. So go ahead — say thank you. Loudly, frequently, and maybe with snacks. Because when people feel seen and valued, they do their best work. And nurses? They’ve earned that recognition a hundred times over.

40 creative ideas for National Nurses Week

Nurses deserve recognition for their tireless dedication and compassion. To help you make their week special, we’ve curated a list of 40 creative ideas you can use to help celebrate them:

1. Thank-you cards: Encourage patients and their families to write heartfelt thank-you notes for nurses.
2. Personalized scrubs: Organize a scrub decorating station where nurses can personalize their scrubs with fun patches or embroidery.
3. Wellness workshops: Offer workshops on stress management, mindfulness, or yoga to help nurses relax and recharge.
4. Massage day: Arrange for massage therapists to provide relaxing massages for nurses during their breaks.
5. Coffee and snack bar: Set up a coffee and snack bar with coffee, tea, and healthy snacks to keep nurses energized.
6. Photo booth: Create a photo booth with fun props and backdrops for nurses to take memorable photos with colleagues.
7. Spa day: Treat nurses to a day at a local spa with massages, facials, and other pampering treatments.
8. DIY craft station: Set up a DIY craft station where nurses or patients can create personalized gifts or decorations for their workspace.
9. Team-building activities: Organize team-building activities like scavenger hunts or trivia games to foster camaraderie among nurses.
10. Catered lunch: Arrange for catered lunches from local restaurants or food trucks to provide a special meal for nurses.
11. Live music: Invite local musicians to perform live music during breaks to lift spirits and create a festive atmosphere.
12. Self-care gift baskets: Create themed gift baskets filled with goodies like candles, chocolates, and spa products for nurses to enjoy.
13. Educational workshops: Offer continuing education workshops or seminars on topics relevant to nursing practice.
14. Outdoor activities: Plan outdoor activities like picnic lunches or nature walks to provide a refreshing break from work.
15. Art therapy: Host an art therapy session where nurses can express themselves creatively through painting or drawing.
16. Pet therapy: Arrange for therapy animals to visit the hospital or clinic, providing stress relief and joy for nurses.
17. Cooking class: Organize a cooking class or demonstration with a local chef to teach nurses new recipes and cooking techniques.
18. Book exchange: Set up a book exchange where nurses can swap books and share their favorite reads.
19. Virtual appreciation wall: Create a virtual appreciation wall where patients and colleagues can leave messages of thanks and support for nurses.
20. Personalized awards: Present personalized awards or certificates recognizing nurses for their achievements and contributions to patient care.
21. Gratitude video montage: Compile video messages from patients, families, and staff expressing appreciation for the nurses.
22. Customized water bottles: Gift nurses personalized water bottles with their names or motivational quotes.
23. Handwritten note station: Set up a station where colleagues can write quick, heartfelt notes to their nursing team.
24. Relaxation room: Create a temporary relaxation space with comfy chairs, soft lighting, and calming music.
25. Healthy meal prep kits: Provide meal prep kits with fresh ingredients and easy recipes for quick, healthy meals.
26. Goodie grab bags: Distribute surprise grab bags filled with snacks, self-care items, and fun trinkets.
27. Gratitude wall: Set up a physical wall where staff and patients can post sticky notes of thanks.
28. Themed dress-up day: Host a fun-themed dress-up day (e.g., superhero day) to celebrate nurses as everyday heroes.
29. Inspirational guest speaker: Invite a motivational speaker to boost morale and share uplifting stories.
30. Morning yoga/stretch sessions: Offer quick morning stretch or yoga sessions before shifts.
31. Creative lunch-and-learns: Combine a delicious meal with a short, fun, or educational presentation.
32. Digital gift cards: Send digital gift cards for coffee shops, restaurants, or online stores.
33. Memory jar: Create a jar where nurses can drop in their favorite moments or patient stories to read later.
34. Ice cream social: Host an ice cream bar with various toppings for a sweet treat during breaks.
35. Personalized tote bags: Gift tote bags with nurses’ names and encouraging messages.
36. Fitness challenge: Start a fun, non-competitive step or wellness challenge with small prizes.
37. Desk plant giveaway: Give nurses small potted plants to brighten their workspaces.
38. Thank-you parade: Organize a mini parade with balloons, signs, and cheers to honor the nursing staff.
39. Customized phone grips: Provide phone grips or stands with fun designs or hospital logos.
40. Self-care kits: Hand out kits with items like lip balm, hand lotion, tea bags, and cozy socks.

How healthcare administrators can use Nurses Week to celebrate and motivate

Healthcare administrators can use National Nurses Week as a powerful platform to celebrate and motivate nurses in many ways, including:

• Recognition awards: Present nurses with awards or certificates acknowledging their outstanding contributions and dedication.
• Appreciation events: Organize dedicated events or luncheons to honor nurses and create a sense of camaraderie among the team.
• Personal thank-you notes: Take the time to write heartfelt, personalized thank-you notes. This gesture of gratitude and recognition for individual nurses’ hard work can make a significant impact.
• Professional development opportunities: Offer workshops or training sessions to help nurses enhance their skills and professional growth.
• Wellness initiatives: Implement wellness programs or activities focused on nurses’ physical and mental well-being to show you care about their health.

Getting everyone in scrubs (and beyond) involved

Celebrating National Nurses Week isn’t just about balloons in the breakroom — it’s about creating moments that feel inclusive, thoughtful, and genuinely appreciated. That means going beyond the clipboard and thinking about what makes participation easy, meaningful, and fun.

• Start with input, not assumptions: Invite nurses to help plan the week. A quick poll or a volunteer committee can surface ideas people actually care about (and want to show up for).
• Make space for every schedule: Night shift? Weekend crew? Be sure activities are staggered so no one misses out just because of the hours they work.
• Keep the updates flowing: Use all the usual suspects — email, bulletin boards, staff chats — to share what’s happening and when. A little hype goes a long way.
• Recognize the joiners: Offer shoutouts, small gifts, or a little extra break time for those who participate. Even a “Best Cookie Decorator” ribbon can spark some healthy competition.
• Include remote or off-site staff: If people can’t join in person, bring the celebration to them. Virtual games, livestreams, or a surprise delivery can help everyone feel part of the fun.

Because when everyone’s included, celebrated, and appreciated, participation isn’t a checkbox — it’s a moment of connection.

From one week to lasting impact: Advocating for nurses beyond Nurses Week

Nurses don’t stop going above and beyond. Neither should your recognition. Nurses Week is more than a chance to celebrate — it’s a golden opportunity to listen and lead with purpose. Sure, the cupcakes are great. But what nurses really need is to feel seen, heard, and supported long after the decorations come down.

Here’s how to move from one-week recognition to everyday advocacy:

• Listen — then act: Nurses are on the front lines of healthcare and have the insight to prove it. Use surveys, pulse checks, or real-time feedback tools to hear what matters most—then make changes that actually reflect their needs.
• Recognize early and often: One week of appreciation is nice. Continuous recognition is powerful. With platforms like Achievers, recognition becomes part of the daily workflow — simple, timely, and meaningful.
• Make it personal: A heartfelt thank-you from a manager, shoutout in a team meeting, or peer-to-peer recognition can go a long way. The more authentic and specific, the more it sticks.
• Prioritize well-being: Recognition and feedback aren’t just nice-to-haves — they’re essential for retention, morale, and burnout prevention. Valued nurses stay engaged, and engaged nurses deliver better care.
• Keep it going: Don’t let the celebration end on May 18. Build a culture of appreciation that runs 365 days a year. With flexible, high-frequency tools from Achievers, that’s more than doable — it’s automatic.

Make nurse appreciation more than a moment

National Nurses Week is a powerful spark — but real impact happens when appreciation becomes part of the everyday. Nurses don’t stop after one week, and neither should recognition.

By building a culture of continuous feedback and celebration, healthcare organizations can make sure nurses feel seen, heard, and supported all year long. Tools like Achievers help turn insights into action and recognition into a habit — no clipboard required.

So, here’s to the nurses who keep showing up, problem-solving, advocating, and making care more human. Let’s do our part and show up for them — during Nurses Week, and every day after.

Written by

Kyla Dewar