Scrubs are a necessity, but they don’t have to be a constant financial strain. There are surprisingly many ways to get free scrubs if you know where to look. Let’s dive into the top places to find them!
Free Scrubs for Healthcare Workers
Free scrubs can come from many sources, including corporate donations, giveaways and contests, and even local charities. These were definitely more prevalent back in 2020, but there are still some solid resources in 2024 that may be able to help you.
Medical Companies
Many medical uniform companies support healthcare workers by donating scrubs to hospitals and individual nurses in need. Here are some prominent examples:
- Careismatic Brands: This brand donated $1 million in free scrubs for healthcare workers during the pandemic and donated another $100,000 in free scrubs for Nurses Week 2023. Nurses Week happens during May each year, so be sure to check on their website to see if you can enter to win!
- FIGS: FIGS is a well-known company that creates high-quality scrubs. They often run promotions with other companies or brands, like Crocs or even sports teams, during which you may be able to enter to win a free pair of scrubs. These promotions change frequently, so I recommend searching Google News for “free” “scrubs” “FIGS” to see if there is a recent promotion you can enter.
- Blue Sky Scrubs: This brand has historically offered free scrubs during certain times of the year. For example, they offered free scrub caps to celebrate World Kindness Day 2023, and they also offered free scrubs to people going on a mission trip.
Online Giveaways
Sometimes, companies or even individuals will donate scrubs to those who need them. These giveaways are often hosted online. Here are a few we’ve found recently:
- Buy Nothing: Buy Nothing groups are a great resource for free scrubs and other essentials. You may be able to find some offered there. If not, you can usually post an ISO (in search of) post to connect with others who may have them.
- Online Healthcare Communities: You may be able to pick up some free scrubs from online health care communities and forums. For example, in the r/nursing subreddit, some RNs have offered scrubs to those who want them. This is most common when someone starts a new job or when they’ve outgrown their current sets.
- Facebook Marketplace: Check the ‘free’ section of Facebook Marketplace and other online marketplaces to see if anyone is offering free scrubs online.
Local Sources
We’ve found free scrubs and more stuff for nurses, doctors and other health care professionals during the coronavirus pandemic! Since our incredible health care workers are on the frontlines of this crisis, it is only natural that companies and people have stepped forward to support our health care workers.
- Workforce Services: Most states have a Department of Workforce Services that is intended to help support workers. In some cases, you may be able to get help with work uniforms and other essentials if you can’t afford them. It never hurts to ask if they know of any programs or charities that can help!
- Clothing Banks: Many clothing banks specialize in helping people find the specific clothing or uniforms they need for work. If you connect with one of these agencies, you may be able to get some free scrubs if you need them to start work or keep your job.
- Your HR Department: If you are struggling to afford scrubs, you may be able to get assistance from your HR office, hospital or local health care network. They may have internal programs for donated scrubs or know avenues of acquiring them.
Other Options
If you build a social media audience, you may be able to get free scrubs through brand ambassador and sponsorship programs. For example, Barco Uniforms offers a free scrub set and other incentives every season for influencers who join their Brand Ambassador program.
You’re more likely to find free scrubs during specific times of the year. Remember to check back during Nurse’s Week in early May, World Kindness Day in November or career-specific holidays like Veterinarian’s Day in April.
More Freebies for Nurses & Healthcare Workers
That’s not all! Health care workers around the United States may be eligible for even more freebies and deals. Let’s explore more things you may be eligible for.
- Thrive Market: Unlock a free one-year-membership through the Thrive Gives program for nurses, first responders, teachers, veterans and students.
- ID.me Verification: When you sign up for ID.me verification, you can verify that you work in health care. This will unlock access to exclusive discounts online at various retailers, as described below.
- Museum Admission: Many museums that offer free admission to military families through Blue Star Museums also offer free access to first responders who work in healthcare fields. This isn’t guaranteed at all locations, so be sure to check each destination’s policies.
Don’t Miss Out on Nurse’s Week!
Nurse’s Week happens every year in early May. During this period, you may be able to enter some incredible giveaways and score even more freebies!
Here are some great offers from recent Nurse’s Week promotions:
- Free room makeovers worth up to $7,000 from Bayada
- Free meal deliveries for a year from Sentinel U
- Free meals from Chipotle
- and more!
The offers change every year, so be sure to check out the most recent Nurse’s Week offers. They usually start getting advertised in mid-to-late April.
Other Discounts for Healthcare Workers
It’s not just about free scrubs or Nurse’s Week, either! There are many other freebies and deals that you may be able to score, as well. Here are some of our favorites.
Phone Bill Discounts
Health care workers can score some incredible discounts from wireless providers like AT&T and Verizon. Here are the ones we’ve found so far:
- AT&T: Nurses, physicians and physician assistants can save 25% on their monthly AT&T bill. Sign up online or in-store with your proof of eligibility (such as a pay stub, employee ID, or employment letter).
- Verizon Wireless: Nurses can save $25 a month. Sign up online and use ID.me to confirm your eligibility.
Nurses can score an incredible discount from Verizon. As of this update, you can save $25 a month if you have two or three lines.
This discount is available online at any time, but you will need to use ID.me in order to confirm your eligibility.
Shopping Discounts
Many online stores offer discounts to health care workers! You just need to verify your eligibility with ID.me to score these incredible deals!
- Bose: Save $30 off your purchase of $199 or more when you use ID.me to log in with your nurse’s credentials.
- GE Appliances: Unlock up to 41% off the manufacturer’s suggested retail price when you shop online with your ID.me login!
- Lenovo: Save up to 5% on Lenovo laptops and other technology when you log in with your ID.me credentials.
- Lens Crafters: Save up to 50% off lenses when you shop online using your nurse’s credentials!
- Samsung: Unlock exclusive offers when you register for Samsung’s First Responders program!
- Stanley: Save up to 20% when you shop Stanley online using your ID.me credentials.
For even more incredible shopping discounts, visit the ID.me shopping page and select either “Nurses” or “Medical” from the drop-down filter menu!
Relief Recap
Whether you need free scrubs for nurses or you’re looking to save money on your cell phone bill, we’ve recapped some incredible companies that are offering free stuff for health care workers. You’ll need to follow up with the providers on this list to claim your deals. Enjoy!
Nicole Thelin
Nicole is the founder and lead researcher of Low Income Relief. After a personal experience with poverty and homelessness following her husband's sudden medical discharge from the U.S. Army, Nicole discovered the life-changing impact of community resources. This experience ignited her passion for empowering others to navigate similar crises. Nicole launched her writing career at age 16, working for various newspapers and publications. Her commitment to in-depth research and accessible content has been recognized by Google for Publishers and other industry leaders. For over 20 years, she has applied her investigative skills to uncover the most helpful, up-to-date information on benefits programs and community resources, ensuring Low Income Relief maintains the most extensive resource databases available.