Archive for the Category »Applied Humor in Healthcare Setting «
Because the patient is in Center Ring when entertaining in the healthcare setting, there are some approaches that work best, and other techniques are not appropriate. Such is the case in ‘live performance.’ For instance, there is a definite difference between performing a skit and a schtick. However, we’ve met many clowns who do not perceive the difference between these two vehicles of entertainment, nor understand the correct application of them.
Healthcare family entertainers offer more than just a performance for their captive audience. Harking back to the original intent and purpose of entertaining — or cheering the patient is to:
- Empower them in the process, by allowing them choices — whether to allow us in to interact with them, in the first place.
- Including them in the performance as part of the act, to the extent possible in their health condition — giving them a needed break from their current situation, taking them away from that place even if for just a moment in time.
Here’s why skits don’t work when entertaining patients:
- By the nature of what our important ‘job’ is in the healthcare setting, the family entertainer, hospital clown or caring clown must remember to keep the spotlight on the patient — at all times.
- Even skits that are devised with outcomes that may be decided by the audience, or modified according to whim, are at the least somewhat pre-determined ‘templates’ of a set of actions to be applied to an unpredictable setting each and every time, in the healthcare venue.
- Skits come with a set of given situations and outcomes that are required to make it effective in a traditional setting, but may not be able to be played out to completion due to continual unknowns with each patient.
- Performers involved with presenting a skit must step into Center Ring, displacing the patient in the process, if even for a moment. This not only removes the patient from the main focus of the visit, but also takes the entertainer’s attention away from their audience. This totally sucks the air and the life out of the experience.
Why schticks work:
- They are short bits of performance with no agenda, that can be reworked according to each and every patient’s condition, degree of interaction or performance.
- Schticks often present a vehicle to draw the patient into the Center Ring to assist the magician or uniquely help solve the ‘problem’ for the silly clown who just ‘doesn’t get it.’
- This means of entertainment is such that the bit can be shortened, lengthened or even terminated abruptly as necessary, according to the patients’ changing condition.
- The patient is empowered by the performance tailored to them, and for that moment in time, taken to another place — of levity and fun.
NEXT: How can a healthcare family entertainer, hospital clown or caring clown perform more effectively in the healthcare setting with schticks, and avoid the inappropriate use of skits?
We learn something in everything we do — that’s called life. Keeping our eyes open and being observant. Evaluating the process with every step — how are we doing? Fine-tuning as we go, to reach the mark. Dedicated to the purpose.
In actuality, it’s not about the process — it’s about the doing… the sharing of the moment, the Joy, the laughter, the humor.
Some welcome the humorous interlude with open arms, embracing the moment. Others will only allow us a small space in time. Still others — will refuse. We have to offer up our gift in an enticing way, making it be an irresistible offer — one that simply cannot be ignored, in a gentle, non-invasive way. The choice to “receive” is left entirely up to the intended recipient.
Each time, we must remember the experience in delivering Humor, however it is presented. Our efforts will be most effective if we offer Applied Humor Therapy as the individual wants to receive it. We must meet them in that place. Or allow drive through, express-style. Whatever works in the venue, for the audience and the day.
As Applied Humor Therapists, we have a commitment to share the laughter, Joy and Healing Humor, injecting it in the spaces allowed. Then and only then, have we been truly effective.
Related Post: Injecting Healing Humor and Entertaining in the Healthcare Setting: Its All About Relationships
But wait! There’s much more to come on this topic…
3 big reasons for establishing a Humor Program in your hospital or healthcare facility presented by published author and longtime Humor Therapist Becky Cortino…
These are 3 compelling reasons to establish a Healthcare Humor Program — but wait! There are more…
In addition, Healthcare Humor programs:
In addition to these 3 compelling reasons, Healthcare Humor programs also:
These are 3 compelling reasons to establish a Healthcare Humor Program — but wait! There are more…
In addition, Healthcare Humor Programs:
*Have far-reaching effects inside and outside the facility walls!
*Provide priceless results at little cost reaching patients, staff!
*Build great community goodwill!
*Are NOT Rocket Science to set-up!
*Easily tailored to your facility’s specific needs!
For articles, resources, training, request consultation, visit: AHeart4Clowning.com
Contact: Becky Cortino, AHeart4Clowning.com
Looking for a great schtick? Here’s one you can easily perform on Clown Rounds, at special events, Humor Clinics or whenever you feel this screening is needed!
Miles of Smiles: Becky Cortino
The warm, encouraging response I have received so far this year for the work I have been doing, my books and media, speaking engagements and emerging new projects has been heartening, albeit a tad overwhelming at times — but all met with great good humor, high spirits and an abundance of gratefulness for all.
The most affirming moment for me, in my writing and sharing is when someone who wants to become involved in this work that looks like play, or I connect with a hospital somewhere that is interested in establishing a humor program. For me, that is when the magic begins!
How fortunate it is, that we should meet here at this time and place, to speak of simple things — of smiles, and joy and humor to be shared in possibly the darkest of days… presented as a sweet gift to one who so often wishes to receive it, but never before would have dreamed to ask.
As the realm of things possible unfolds before their wondering eyes, they come away with us for just that moment in time, to a land untravelled until we arrive there together. It is a place filled with warmth and sunshine and hearts are light. Laughter and joy fill the air like lilac blossoms — sweet and close. Once experienced, not-to-be-forgotten. The moment to be hidden in the heart. The memory to taken out again to be further examined, relished and enjoyed. To be held forever close.
I’m thinking I must be the most fortunate person in the world to do what I do. The places I have been — the stories I have heard. Oh, the memories and indelible heartprints forever left their mark.
May my words speak to your ears and to your heart.
My heartfelt mission is very simple: I want to help further clown arts and humor programs in hospitals and healthcare settings globally. Together in the collective sense, we are doing that – but I strive to encourage it on a much broader scale than what we are currently doing.
Please let me know how I can help you… feel free to contact me, or to submit your question by way of this online Contact Form (click this link)
Setting up Humor Programs is NOT Rocket Science!
Recently, I’ve been writing a series of articles on the many benefits of establishing Humor Programs in the hospital and healthcare setting. Some of them are obvious — such as the recognized immune-system boost that humor provides (part of Reason #1)… and let’s not forget the stress relief received by a lighter moment in the day for the staff (Reason #4). And the list goes on…
So, ok. It would seem a lot of the reasons I listed are widely recognized. But overall, there are still many hospitals and healthcare facilities that do not have an established program. This leads my ever-’Inquirin’ Mind’ to wonder out loud: “Why not?” If you read my initial article on the 7 Reasons Why Hospital or Healthcare Facilities Should Establish a Humor Program, and it resonated with you — and I imagine it did with many — I wonder why we’re not further along in the world of Applied Humor Therapy programs in the hospital and healthcare setting — on a widescale basis?
While I am sure there is no one particular reason that would be the main obstacle for all, if I was to wager a guess on one of the biggest reasons, I would say it is: knowing where to begin, and how to set up a program that is appropriate for the facility. Obviously, the focus of any facility needs to be on the patients or residents. A Humor Program in whatever form is deemed a “best fit” for a particular facility is the way to serve that population, while reaping the many benefits and blessings of having them, with a well-executed program.
It’s important to remember that setting up a Humor Program is NOT Rocket Science. It can easily be designed and should be be tailored to the hosting facility’s needs. With willing volunteers to staff-manage-and run-it in tandem with a designated facility contact-supervisor, an effective program can cost next-to-nothing, with greater returns than any monies ever expended.
Whatever stage of development or operation your Humor Program may be, there are lots of articles, resources, and links included on this site to assist. Please feel free to explore and check out what is offered here to help the cause of injecting Healing Humor in the healthcare setting.
My heartfelt mission is very simple: I want to help further clown arts and humor programs in hospitals and healthcare settings globally. Together in the collective sense, we are doing that – but I strive to encourage it on a much broader scale than what we are currently doing.
Please let me know how I can help you… feel free to contact me, or to submit your question by way of this online Contact Form (click this link)
MultiMedia Resources on: Applied Humor Therapy, Healing Humor, Establishing a Hospital Clown or Healthcare Family Entertainer Group, Injecting Healing Humor in the Healthcare Setting. More info on materials written, produced and published by me: click this link (here)
Healthcare Humor Program Treats All Hearts Touched
Patient care is the focus and greatest concern of any healthcare facility. A Humor Program in tandem with and supportive of the hosting healthcare entity, serves as good will abassadors, and part of the wellness team through boosting immune systems and brightening the environment.
Establishing a Humor Program is a winning combination for any forward-thinking healthcare entity wanting to set themselves apart from other facilities, and building positive reputation in the process. These are 3 of the 7 reasons highlighted in my series on the importance of establishing Humor Programs in the healthcare setting. The outcome of an effective Humor Program can be positively powerful…
A Healthcare Humor Program is Critical Care to all hearts that are touched:
Patients are always the primary focus during visitations. In the healthcare setting, the mission is to do nothing more than cheer the patients through a gentle presence, as a means of taking the patient’s mind off their current health condition or painful situation.
Success is measured if only for just a second, after entering the patient’s room they can forget or not think about their condition, through humorous intervention. They are drawn into the performance, become a part of it, empowered to assist, or even refuse a visit. All are valuable therapeutic value, depending upon the patient’s condition and the situation.
A brighter, more optomistic environment is created, and spirits are lifted in the process:
Visitors may be treated to entertainment in the patient’s rooms, or sometimes caught by surprise in the hallways, waiting rooms, elevators and lobby. Depending upon the situation or mood, the visitors may become the center of attention, if the patient is unable, and it seems the visitors need a cheerful interlude.
The healthcare facility staff often welcomes joy-filled, comedic stress-relieving moments. Entertaining the staff at the nurse’s station and in the hallways as time and schedule allow, can become a much-anticipated adventure, and much-anticipated relief.
Results are tangible in health benefits and priceless in building good will and reputation over time, through a well-orchestrated healthcare Humor Program program, which can be implemented at little cost, for big results.
Scientific evidence supports the concept that humor and laughter make significant contributions to both physical and mental health conditions of all who receive applications of Applied Humor Therapy, by:
- Strengthening the immune system
- Improved cardiovascular health
- Reducing pain, stress and anxiety
- Creating a more positive perspective and optimistic mood
Does your healthcare facility have a Humor Program?
Whether your facility is reviewing possibilities or considering a program, or whatever stage of development or operation your Humor Program may be in, there are lots of articles, resources, and links included on this site to assist. Please feel free to explore and check out what is offered here to help the cause of injecting Healing Humor in the healthcare setting.
Receive information to help you in this effort, by signing up here to receive free updates (click on this link here)
Here is a recommended book on How to Establish a Hospital Clown or Family Entertainer Group
Do you have questions or want to talk with someone about your program and ideas?
If I may answer questions you have or be of assistance to you or your facility in some way regarding setting up an in-house program, or related to your currently-existing Healthcare Humor Program, please feel free to contact me at any time and let me know how I may help: Use the online contact form by clicking this link (here)
Applied Humor in the healthcare setting has tangible benefits!
Recently, I’ve been writing about the inherent benefits of hospital or healthcare facility-based Humor Programs. Important integral elements may easily be overlooked, while efforts are steadfastly fixed upon the proper program set-up, meeting facility training and testing requirements, coupled with wholehearted determination to provide the best delivery of humor…
Possible missing ingredients are the elements of Joy and Wonder. These simple components of an effective Humor Program, may easily be lost in the stack of details and flurry of implementation.
Joy is often the natural by-product of appropriately-delivered humor. Provided to a patient on a personal level, in a time, a place and in just the right space. But if the humor therapist is impeded in some way, their effectiveness is diluted or hindered. Being well-trained and fully integrated as part of the facility’s ‘Wellness Team’ gives the needed support and confidence to help create Joy on-the-fly for all hearts touched along their merry way.
Wonder is that amorphous, shapeless, intangible aspect so often sought after, but not always found. It is a necessary item in the Humor Program Toolbox! To create this essence, is to recognize the possibility what is to be — of things hoped for, but not yet seen. To develop the thought of what might be, beyond what is, with a positive eventual destination, outcome or conclusion to the current adventure.
These elements may sound high-minded, but in reality are very simple in nature, and integral parts of any effective healthcare Humor Program. Upon considering them, one might rightly wonder how any modicum of Joy or Wonder could be provided to the patient who may be staring into the face of a dark unknown. Based on my experience in this venue since 1997, I have personally witnessed this feat accomplished through effective applied humor therapy on a regular, repeated basis throughout visitations or clown rounds.
Admittedly, it is amazing to think a patient in pain, under heavy meds or experiencing a dire health situation would so readily welcome in a humor therapist as they do — but they do! Of course training and preparation are important, but the approach once on the scene is certainly critical. It is a warm, inviting and personal contact with the patient. Sometimes, the patient is not in a place in their heart or mind to take in what a humor therapist has to offer, which is respected. However, most patients welcome the interlude amidst their pain or suffering.
An effective healthcare humor therapy program causes ripple effects, reaching out and infecting others. Humor and smiles are known to be highly contagious! Visitors also are beneficiaries of the adventure, and appreciate the special care and concern extended to their loved one. Staff often welcomes joy-filled, comedic stress-relieving moments. Entertaining the staff at the nurse’s station and in the hallways as time and schedule allow, can become a much-anticipated adventure.
How do the elements of Joy and Wonder affect the bottomline in the healthcare setting?
Beyond the health benefits of humor, and recognized importance for patients, the spillover effect is priceless. The result of a well-executed healthcare program is beyond any dollars that could ever be budgeted and spent, because the hearts, minds and lives of countless individuals are touched.
In the process:
- A caring, serving, personal reputation for the facility is supported or built.
- Unique positioning for the facility is established for hosting such a program; for the foresight and progressive nature of establishing and supporting it.
- Positive memories of the event also help patients and others to engender high regard and admiration for a healthcare facility.
For more information on how Healthcare Facilities Can Build a Caring Reputation through Humor Programs, click this link (here)
Michael Christensen, Founder of Big Apple Circus Clown Care
All eyes will be on Center Ring at AHeart4Clowning TalkRadio Show on Wednesday, May 12th 1:00PM EDT, for a very special interview with Michael Christensen, Co-Founder and Creative Director of the Big Apple Circus and Founder of Big Apple Circus Clown Care. Big Apple Circus Clown Care, acknowledged as the first and original hospital clowning program in the world, was launched in 1986. The program is based on Michael’s desire to provide a unique service to children undergoing treatment in pediatric facilities. He will share his insights on hospital clowning and entertaining in the healthcare setting.
He has taught workshops all over the world in the new profession of hospital clowning, which his work has inspired. He has also lectured to the medical communities of the nation’s major pediatric hospitals. For his work with Clown CareSM, Michael has received the Raoul Wallenberg Humanitarian Award, the Red Skelton Community Service Award, the Golden Nose award from the Northeast Clown Convention, the Parenting Achievement Award from Parenting magazine, and was inducted into the Ambassador David M. Walters International Pediatric Hall of Fame.
The show airs live at 1:00PM EDT Thursday, May 12th, will be recorded and available for download from the show archive. Tune in for insight and inspiration!
You can set a “show reminder” and listen online here: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/aheart4clowningtalkradio/2010/05/12/big-apple-circus-clown-care-with-michael-christensen
Listen to the show streaming L-I-V-E, or catch this show after the broadcast, from the archive.
Blast off for National Humor Month!
Join the laughter, join the FUN
– National Humor Month is for everyone!
Share a joke here, and a laugh there
– help spread levity everywhere!
NO joke — April 1st — “April Fool’s Day” kicks off National Humor Month!
Launched in 1976 by best-selling humorist Larry Wilde, Director of The Carmel Institute of Humor, National Humor Month is now joyfully promoted and orchestrated by event director Steve Wilson, Founder/President of World Laughter Tour aka “Cheerman of the Bored” and well-known as America’s Favorite Joyologist.
Here are some great links, to get you started… National Humor Month
Join in all the FUN — help share the mirth for all you’re worth 