nurse with patient

It’s National Nurses Week (May 6-12), a time to give a nod to nurses everywhere. 

National chains are showering them with freebies. Dunkin’ handed out free coffee last week. Chipotle gave barritos. But in the surreal year of COVID-19, home health care provider Bayada is giving 50 nurses what they really want: a respite from reality.

To celebrate nurses, the home care company is giving away prize kits in the “What’s Your Wish” giveaway. Any nurse or student nurse  — not just those who work for Bayada — can apply online at NursesWeek.com for a chance to win one of five different gift packages. 

Jamie Duncan

“Typically we come up with one big gift item that we want to give away, but this year we decided after the crazy pandemic year we’ve had, we wanted to make more nurses’ wishes come true,” Jamie Duncan, Bayada manager of enterprise recognition, told McKnight’s Home Care Daily.

Duncan wouldn’t divulge what is in the packages but offered hints. The five different gift packages revolve around different themes. One package includes technology to trick out a home. Another provides nursing gear for the on-the-go nurse. There’s a package providing the ultimate caffeine fix. Perhaps the two most sought-after packages will be the staycation-inspired package and the tranquility package.

Duncan said there was a method to the madness of coming up with the themes. The home care firm polled its own nurses, asking them what would make their lives better following one of the most challenging years for healthcare.

“Nurses are incredible individuals and they are constantly giving up themselves for others. It’s an innate passion that comes from within. After such a trying year, this is why we’re giving these wishes away,” said Duncan.

As of late last week, 12,000 nurses had signed up for the gift packages. It’s not too late to apply at NursesWeek.com. Nurses can continue registering for the 50 gift packages until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time Wednesday. BAYADA will announce the 50 winners on Thursday.

Here’s to wishes coming true.