Our contests on StressedOutNurses.com are some of the most popular features. Students and nurses fill our inboxes with creative punch lines in an effort to come up with a winning caption. And dozens of you submitted hilarious (and real!) baby names you’ve heard during your time in the hospital corridors. Then a few weeks ago, we received our funniest contest entry yet.

The contest was simple. We asked you to share some of your most memorable holiday gifts. Good ones, bad ones, we wanted them all. We said we’d reward the person who shared the “worst gift” with an author-autographed copy of Stressed Out About Your Nursing Career. The photo below said it all—and had us in stitches.

Meet Meghan Wittbrot, a 26-year-old nurse living in West Bend, WI. Meghan has been married to her husband for five years, has two boys, two dogs, and graduated from Waukesha County Technical College in Pewaukee, WI, last December. Also, Megan recently received a new pair of footie pajamas, which led to a night of good-hearted laughter in her house.

Meghan was kind enough to answer some questions about being a new nurse and, of course, about footie pajamas. Here’s her Q&A:

Mike Briddon: What’s your favorite thing about being a nurse?
Meghan Wittbrot: I like to be able to help people when they are in their most vulnerable state: under anesthesia. Part of my job is making sure that everyone looks out for the best interest of the patient. I also really enjoy the prestige of being a nurse. When I tell someone what I do, they mention my job security, plenty of options, and the “not too shabby” pay!

MB: What’s the hardest thing about being a nurse?
MW: Finding out that someone you cared for or got close to passed away. As a nurse, you see what hardships patients and families go through, and at times become frustrated that there is nothing more that you can do.

MB: What one piece of advice would you give to a nursing student about the transition to the real world?
MW: Allow yourself time to learn. Don’t expect to know everything right away. When you do become frustrated, remind yourself that soon you will be fluent in your job and look back and laugh. And ask plenty of questions while you can!

MB: What was your reaction when you opened the pajamas?
MW: To be honest, I didn’t think they made footie pajamas for adults! Christmas at Grandma’s is always a night of laughing and joke gifts, so I didn’t know if she was trying to be funny or not! She always puts her heart into her gifts, and she knew that I was always cold, so this was actually a pretty practical gift for me!

MB: In your contest entry, you said you haven’t worn the pajamas since. Where are they now?
MW: I actually tried to wear them one night, but they were too small (not long enough). It was also difficult to use the bathroom. I now feel bad for my kids when they wear these. They are in a drawer in the spare room.

MB: Is that a snowman on the pajamas?
MW: It sure is!

MB: At what age did you last wear footie pajamas?
MW: I don’t think I ever did wear footie pajamas!  I preferred pink Barbie pajamas with ruffles as a kid.

Did you get any hilarious gifts this year? Share them on our blog.

And don’t forget to check out our new contest! (Are you a stressed out nurse? Tell us why!)