NTI 2016 - Nurses in Search of Pens and Other Freebies

NTI is such a world class convention that offers so many educational and networking opportunities for nurses. It also offers something another important opportunity that almost takes a nurse’s breath away…..world class pens and FREEBIES!!!!! Absolutely wonderful. Nurses come from far and near to NTI for this glorious hunting ground searching for colorful nursing treasures. Nurses Announcements Archive Article

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NTI 2016 - Nurses in Search of Pens and Other Freebies

Once again the annual ritual. the countdown to the opening of the NTI convention and a sight that rivals the running of the bulls happened at yesterday morning promptly at 10:30. The team from allnurses was there to witness the event. The nurses came pouring in scurrying the aisles in an almost rabid fashion. One thing is for sure,..you better not get in the way of a nurse in search of nursey treasures. I didn't see any casualties, and I was sure to stay out of the way of the encroaching tide of nurses.

Why do nurses love so many freebies, especially pens? The pens are pretty simple. Pens are essential tools for nurses, almost as important as their stethoscope. Pens get borrowed and oftentimes do not get returned. They seem to have legs of their own. At NTI, their is a virtual rainbow of pens..all types and colors and the best part, they are FREE! What's not to love about that.

In addition, there are so many other cool giveaways that vendors have to entice you to their booths. Chocolate is always good, but most of the time, that is something that does not last not longer than 5 minutes. Nurses need the extra sugar boost to give them energy to continue the hunt.

But nurses need things to take home. They can be viewed as NTI souvenirs. This year with NTI being in New Orleans, Mardi Gras beads can be found if you look hard enough. One vendor gave me the beads from around her neck, maybe in self-defense??? They are pretty cool ..bright red hearts. Perfect!

At the same booth, another one of the exhibitor team thrust a palm-sized Nemo into my hand, telling me it was like a stress ball. What???? Do I look stressed. That glazed look in my eyes is just from being amid so many enticing booths…...and FREEBIES.

I admit, I was like a kid in a candy store. Speaking of candy, the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center booth had a HUGE Hershey candy bar that caught my eye and lured me to the booth. I was disappointed to find out that they only had one... and I could not have it unless my name was selected during their drawing. I had to settle on a small Hershey Kiss instead.

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Every year there are a few giveaways that are a big hit... and make the gotta have list. You have to get them before they are all gone. My hunt for goodies was hampered by having to stop to actually talk to the vendors. But that is why I am there, after all. I need your help. If you have found those extra-special freebies, please post pictures here along with the booth number to help me and others find them. Be proud of the treasures you found and also help your fellow nurses who are also in the hunt.

Have a great time at NTI...and be careful out there.

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tnbutterfly - Mary

About tnbutterfly - Mary, BSN

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

How 'bout M & M's? Find anything unique?? :)

I remember all the FREEBIES. Some were very very cool.

Thanks, tnbutterfly.

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Specializes in Peds, Med-Surg, Disaster Nsg, Parish Nsg.

Plenty of candy for everyone...

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

The freebies are so great. It's kind of like Nurse Trick-or-Treat going from booth to booth. I am pretty jealous of Mary's Nemo LOL

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Specializes in Peds, Med-Surg, Disaster Nsg, Parish Nsg.

Please share your photos of your Freebie collection. And how about some niminations for the "Best of Show" freebie.

Wouldn't it be great if each exhibitor would contribute one freebie each year for a huge freebie display. What a great picture that would make.

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Pens are always a nurse's delight. I warn people who lend me a pen that they may not get it back, since I'm a nurse with an uncontrollable affinity for pens. Especially if they feel right and write with finesse.

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.....and I thought I was the only one who had an unusual proclivity towards pens. That is the best part about going to the conferences well besides the CEU dinners, and the learning and the networking. Thanks for making me seem normal now :nurse:

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