Erin's Picks of 2006: Most Creative Free Stuff from Hospitals

One of the greatest benefits of being a nursing student (okay, it's the only benefit) is all the free stuff that we get from the hospitals. Usually it's pens, notepads, cups, bags, magnets, and pizza parties. But every once in a while, the recruiters get a little creative and try to provide something more memorable in hopes to increase your interest in working for their hospital. Some hospitals get it right, like Barnes-Jewish who gave us $50 certificates for a local mall and recruitment dinner that this beautiful mansion downtown. Others... well... they try hard. Here is this year's "Most Creative Free Stuff from Hospitals."

In runner-up, we have Missouri Baptist with 'gourmet microwave popcorn'. Maybe they are trying to come across as a 'fun' or 'a-maizing' place to work. Haha! Get it?! 'A-maizing'? Maize being corn? See how I messed with the words there? Aren't I 'punny'? Okay, maybe not... moving on...


And in first place, we have SSM Health Care with, yes, a teacup. I laughed so hard when they gave these cups to us. I guess they are trying to reach a more sophisticated, older crowd. Now, I would understand a coffee mug, but a gold-brimmed teacup with SSM's logo on the side that comes with matching saucer? They should fire the guy who thought it was a good idea to mix advertisement with china. I can't wait to use it at my next tea party...