Archive for the Category »Applied Humor in Healthcare Setting «
Click here for MORE: Celebrate 5 Years of Fab FUN!
Who doesn’t like to get gifts?!
Never before in the history of this blog (begun in 2007) have we had the wonderful opp we have today, to so generously gift our AHeart4Clowning Readers!
Here’s how AHeart4Clowning Readers receive $100+ Gift, from our Heart to yours…
This is a great time to buy those books you’ve been wanting to read, get our brand NEW book, buy books for your Healing Humor friends or clowning group — at a sweet discount!
Coupon CODE: BUYMYBOOKS305
This limited-time special promotion ends on December 14, 2011 11:59PM PST
More promotion details, book ordering Tips, and to grab your own special AHeart4Clowning.com Coupon, click this link: http://www.aheart4clowning.com/2011/11/28/discount-coupon-save-25-percent-on-aheart4clowning-books-for-hospital-clowns-and-healthcare-family-entertainers/
Click this link to preview and purchase AHeart4Clowning Books: http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/beckycortino
Please Note: This promotion, any and all related terms and conditions are offered by our Publisher, and are not under our control.
$$$>>>The amount you save depends upon your purchase, of course — but at a savings, with 25% discount! Enjoy 
2) Have you read our newest book?
Injecting Healing Humor in the Healthcare Setting: Entertaining Effectively in the Healthcare Venue
This book is especially for Hospital Clowns, Healthcare Family Entertainers, Applied Humor Therapists, and SmileMakers on the topic of entertaining effectively in the healthcare setting. In addition to being a great read providing:
- Pointers and Tips for Entertaining in the Healthcare Setting
- Inspirations and Ideas for Putting Your Best Foot Forward
- Actionable Steps to be an Effective Healthcare Family Entertainer
- Journaling and List-keeping Section
$$$>>>A Special Reader BONUS Gifts ($45 Value) is included! More about this book: http://www.aheart4clowning.com/2011/09/22/new-book-injecting-healing-humor-in-the-healthcare-setting-entertaining-effectively-in-the-healthcare-venue/
Preview and purchase this book here: http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/injecting-healing-humor-in-the-healthcare-setting/17270124
Click here to: Celebrate 5 Years of FAB FUN with Us!
3) Snag your own Comp Ticket to our 5 Years of FAB FUN Celebration in 2012! As a special “Thank you!” to everyone who has ever purchased any AHeart4Clowning book, CD, DVD (audio-or-video), a digital product or online course, we have a Special Online Event planned — details to be announced — be sure to register to receive event details, and your Complimentary Ticket to attend!
Register any purchase you make, to receive a Complimentary Ticket to attend AHeart4Clowning’s 5 Years of FAB FUN Celebration, a special “Thank you” from us to you! After you make your purchase, click this link for event details, and to register:
http://www.aheart4clowning.com/2011/11/07/aheart4clowning-celebrates-5-years-of-fab-fun/
$$$>>>5 Years of FAB FUN Online Event Ticket Valued at: $55.00(Complimentary)
Click here for More: AHeart4Cowning 4You
So, O-K — what’s the deal, how can this be?! Just over one year ago, I released a video explaining about AHeart4Clowning.com, our books and my efforts. In it, I pointed out that this site and AHeart4Clowning.com is not a “typical” ‘business model,’ for an organization to survive and thrive lol That is certainly true, and remains so!
Personally, I don’t “make a living” from this site or my efforts here, but I am pleased for the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience to benefit you. In turn, it has been a delight to meet so many like-minded folks! I wholeheartedly do believe that we make this world a better place by sharing our gifts and talents. I’ve been duly complimented by being accused of openly ‘walking my talk,’ and hopefully you can see this is evidenced as true, by all I put into this site and all AHeart4Clowning.com efforts for you…
So how can we “gift” $100 to savvy AHeart4Clowning Readers? Good question! For one thing, as they say — “timing is everything,” for us and for our Readers! All this happens to happily coincide with our upcoming 5 Years of FAB FUN Celebration, so that’s added coolness! It’s the ‘cherry on top‘!
But, this is all made possible through the excellent partnerships and long-standing working relationships we have. We are thrilled our Publisher is offering special promotions, because it means more folks are reading our books, more lights are shining in dark places crying out for it, creating miles and Miles of Smiles! YaY
Why am I offering BONUSES and a special Online Celebration? As a thank you to YOU, for your support of this cause, to bless you back. It is through your purchases of AHeart4Clowning books, our online courses and products, that this site remains here, constantly updated with fresh, new material ongoing, featuring important news that affects our ‘work,’ and spotlighting inspiring folks!
Through your comments, ideas and stories shared, ‘thumbs ups’ and sharing AHeart4Clowning.com, you have helped to make this site better. So, a heartfelt “thank you” for all of that. Thank you for all you do in your work, and also furthering this important idea of Applied Humor Therapy in the healthcare setting.
ADDED BONUSES: A series of FREE special events, features and FUN are planned for all of our AHeart4Clowning Readers throughout 2012 — stay tuned!
Click here to Stay Tuned: Lots Planned! Celebrate 5 Years of AHeart4Clowning FAB FUN in '12!
These events and FUN things will be ongoing throughout 2012, and NO registration is required — they’re for EveryBuddy!Watch this site and blog for details as they roll out 
So my hope for you, is not only increasing Joy in this work that only looks like play, but in some way I can, do and will continue to serve your needs through AHeart4Clowning.com
I sincerely hope if you buy a book, enroll in an online AHeart4Clowning course, or purchase a product from us, you will benefit greatly from it, as will all those you come into contact with, during your meandering journey.
If you never purchase anything from AHeart4Clowning.com, thank you for all you do and give, serving so actively in the Trenches! I hope you are blessed by all you find here, and what I offer helps you in your work.
Thank you one and all, for sharing Miles of Smiles!
My Heart to Yours,
Becky
This says it all…
ABOUT: The Humour Foundation Clown Doctors
5 Related articles you might find helpful are listed below this blog post (click on the title of this article, if you don’t see topics listed below)…
—-AND—-
You’re invited to receive our FREE Hospital Clown/Healthcare Family Entertainer/Applied Humor Therapist/SmileMaker e-Newsletter… by signing up to receive FREE Hospital Clown e-Newsletter (click on this link here) Always FREELY offered since 2007, AHeart4Clowning e-Newsletter is filled with FUN ideas, tips, inspiring stories and updates!
Resources – Guides on: How to Establish a Hospital Clown or Healthcare Family Entertainer Group, and Entertaining in the Healthcare Setting, click this linked text (here)
Share Miles of Smiles: Funny Smilemakerz Kit + MORE for Smiles on a Stick and Endless Smiles
Keep the Humor Going!
Things happen — or sometimes — don’t happen, as we think they should or could, don’t they?
- A performance doesn’t always turn out as planned and rehearsed.
- A prop doesn’t work well with that schtick afterall.
- You realize mid-performance your brilliance is totally being missed.
- The patient SO needs to see you isn’t as receptive to a humor infusion as you wish they would be, for their best benefit.
- A staff member overwrought with burdens of the moment, is not able to connect in a meaningful way that would be helpful to them, especially now.
If you’ve read this blog for any length of time, you no doubt have read about the importance of improvising along the way, and these are just a few hand-picked examples of why that is the case.
Everything we do as an entertainer in the healthcare setting involves others, so therein lies but one inherent challenge in effectively injecting Healing Humor in the hospital or healthcare venue.
Such is the nature of the ‘work’ we do that looks like “play.” No one ever said it would be easy, but hopefully whoever trained you prepared you for potential challenges that lie in your meandering mirthful journey as a hospital clown or healthcare family entertainer in The Great Clown Unknown. Usually it sure is FUN, even if things don’t turn out as you thought they would, isn’t it?!
Maybe in part that’s the serendipitous essence of applied humor therapy as a hospital clown, caring clown, healthcare family entertainer, applied humor therapist or smilemaker… and it’s all in how you roll with it, like life…
However, sometimes things happen as you never dreamed, expected, or an occurrence shakes you literally to your core. What to do about that?
Realize unexpected occurrences do happen to all of us, at one time or another. Due to the fact that our work is directly people-centric, each of us faces a new situation with unique variables every time we set foot into the next patient’s room.
What to do about an event or situation that just blindsides you? Don’t keep it to yourself. As soon as it is possible following your visitation, share the experience with someone within your organization. Do not discuss the matter with others outside your healthcare humor group who are not involved, or in a way that potentially risks a patient’s privacy.
A ‘debriefing’ session should be held after every single visitation, to help team members process the events and situations they encountered on that particular visit. This is one of the most difficult issues facing a solo-entertainer, but it not an impossible situation to manage. Arrangements should be made to connect with your coordinator, staff or designated facility contact to discuss the visitation, including any unforeseen events and their results.
When debriefing, be as complete in your description, and totally upfront and honest in presenting the situations you encountered. Sugarcoating may hide something that the facility will want to know about. Seemingly to misrepresent your actions, or trying to shield embarrassment you may feel about it all, will make it appear like you have something to hide, or that you are dishonest. Trust me — embarrassing things can and do happen in the healthcare setting! You won’t be the first nor the last to have a tale to tell — the appropriate listening ear. The ‘telling’ is all for the better — for you and your effective performance.
But, what if something happens that shakes you so badly you wonder if you should continue in your stead as a healthcare family entertainer? In this case, I am not referring to anything you have done, but perhaps encountered in visitation, and having a difficult time dealing with:
- Debrief with your coordinator or the staff contact (as applicable — don’t go over your coordinator’s head). Don’t keep anything a “secret.”
- Garner team support for you and your work. Know that you are not alone, and work with an experienced partner who can help you through your visitations.
- If you feel you must, speak with a trusted counselor to deal with the feelings, reactions, or to gain coping skills necessary to overcome any such future events, should you continue.
The Flip Side: I’ve never known anyone in my almost 14 years who needed to have counseling for their experiences on rounds, but I do understand something could happen that might affect someone, and they may wish to take this route.
- Sometimes, folks discover this kind of ‘work’ isn’t their cup of tea. Totally understandable. If they feel that way, their feelings should be respected. Sometimes difficult memories are unearthed, that folks thought were long ago put to rest — but vestiges still remain.
- Sometimes, folks need to take a break, or go on leave for a season. Life circumstances, and newly-arising responsibilities really do get in the way, and give reason for taking time out. A Word of Caution: Getting back to it is sometimes difficult, following a break…
For the most part, recognizing the fact that as in life, there will be bumps in the road, knowing things do not always turn out as you expected, is a healthy mindset. Realizing those of us who share the healthcare venue ‘stage’ with you, are all “in this together,” and we share similar concerns and convictions, even when our viewpoints vary — you are never alone.
You can run this race with endurance, sharing Miles of Smiles wherever you go. Through the trials of miles, and enduring miles of trials, armed with an understanding of “why” you are ‘there’ in the first place (the focus is not all about you) — and sticking with it, you will effectively inject Healing Humor in the healthcare setting. You are surrounded and supported by so many of us who have gone through these trials. We’re serving alongside you, in the trenches!
Remember those who have been influential in your development, and had impact in your training, cheering you onward, encouraging and helping you. You are surrounded by a crowd of supporters!
TIP: If you have any questions related to this topic, discuss your situation with your group coordinator. Many strategies and specialized training may be available for you through your hosting facility or group.
NOTE: This article deals only with the “personal” aspect of this topic. Strategies and program components can and should be implemented by active groups, troupes, ministries, and/or hosting facilities.
Let us never forget what is important — Keep the Humor Going!
Writing to encourage you — always….
Recommended Resources:
- 5 Related articles you might find helpful are listed below this blog post (click on the title of this article, if you don’t see topics listed below)…
- You’re invited to receive our FREE Hospital Clown/Healthcare Family Entertainer/Applied Humor Therapist/SmileMaker e-Newsletter… by signing up to receive FREE Hospital Clown e-Newsletter (click on this link here)
- NEWly-published book especially for Hospital Clowns, Caring Clowns, Healthcare Family Entertainers, Applied Humor Therapists and SmileMakers, about entertaining in the healthcare setting (click on this linked text): Injecting Healing Humor in the Healthcare Setting: Entertaining Effectively in the Healthcare Venue
~*~
AHeart4Clowning offers extensive resources and ongoing online training 24-7, available on-demand, on your schedule from the comfort of your computer, anytime — wherever you are. Read program details by clicking the following links:
Applied Humor Therapy Mentorship: Injecting Healing Humor in the Healthcare Setting
Healing Humor: Live Happy – Be Healthy!
Work of Heart: Establishing Hospital Clown/Healthcare Entertainer Group – Train/Prep/Equip
While it is said the longest journey begins with a single step, the adventures of a hospital or caring clown into the Great Clown Unknown may comprise the most incredible experience of a lifetime, in every step taken by those funny shoes and in the true heart behind that nose. This book is written based upon personal experience, explorations and interest-directed research serving in the trenches, as a hospital or caring clown since 1997.
Presented as an inspiring collage from my clown heart as a grassroots volunteer community-based hospital clown creative ministry coordinator, this book is well-seasoned with insight, served up with the purpose of providing a dose of encouragement to active healthcare venue performers and creative arts entertainers; those with a heartfelt desire to inject healing humor into the healthcare setting; or those simply interested in taking a peek into the joy-full existence, a part of the blessed journey of hospital/caring clowns and creative arts family entertainers!
The Print Edition of From the Heart: Injecting Healing Humor in the Healthcare Setting (the basis of this eBook), was one of my 2 books selected by my publisher to be featured on the Amazon.com Marketplace.
NOTE: If above “preview” feature doesn’t work, click this link to preview book on our Publisher’s site: http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/from-the-heart-injecting-healing-humor-in-the-healthcare-setting/4475595
This eBook is available in Adobe PDF (format) – Adobe Digital Editions
5 Related articles you might find helpful on Injecting Healing Humor in the Healthcare Setting, are listed below this blog post (click on the title of this article, if you don’t see topics listed below)…
You’re invited to receive our FREE Hospital Clown/Healthcare Family Entertainer/Applied Humor Therapist/SmileMaker e-Newsletter… by signing up to receive FREE Hospital Clown e-Newsletter (click on this link here)
- Lessen the OOPS! Factor…
Awkward moments happen, don’t they?! Awkward silences… a time everyone wishes had never happened… or something we would like to forget…
The truth is, you can find those moments, places in time, or events anywhere — any time. The healthcare setting is no exception.
Awkward moments occur in the healthcare setting, often precipitated by the very reason a hospital clown, healthcare family entertainer, applied humor therapist or smilemaker has for being there:
- Patient unknowingly, unaware, under heavy medication
- Staff in high gear, attending to patients
- Visitors, wanting the best for their loved one
The possibilities and combinations of awkward moments are so vast, and always developing, that I don’t think it would be possible to establish a comprehensive listing of them. In fact, healthcare personnel visiting patients for years, agree with my observation that even after my almost 14-years in the hospital setting, I continued to see “something I had never seen before” on clown rounds.
Two reasons for these surprising developments:
- Based on the diversified human condition and all sorts of health-related situations — the possible combinations are limitless. So often, we like to categorize things in order to simplify, don’t we? We think this helps us to organize information, better understand things, and direct our efforts appropriately. However, when dealing with the human condition in the healthcare setting, much of what is experienced from the hospital clown or healthcare family entertainer standpoint does not allow for easy categorization.
- Just like life, these awkward moments “come at you fast,” so a healthcare humor therapist has to be ready. Changes can occur as you’re in the patient’s room, or when you just walked in to visit. How you handle these situations affects the outcome of your visit — it’s effect, and your relationship with the hosting facility and staff. It may even affect your future performances.
How awkward moments are handled are dependent not so much upon a “standard operating procedure” (as the situation often defies ‘definition’), but rather based on training and preparation. You may wonder how training can prepare anyone for the unknown occurrences or yet-to-happen or be-seen event? Good question.
Through proper training, and mentorship, a hospital clown, caring clown, healthcare family entertainer, applied humor therapist, or smilemaker may:
- Become familiar with the concept of the “uncertainties” that lie within the healthcare facility walls.
- Develop strategies for dealing with “uncertainties” that may occur while on rounds.
- Gain confidence in the process, resulting in increased ability to handle whatever comes their way during visitation.
- Become proficient in performing in-the-moment, on-the-fly, and changing up their performance instantaneously.
While on rounds these many years, I’ve had a number of awkward moments occur around me. Like life, the beauty and simplicity lies in how you handle them. I have performed in mixed company and not, in the midst of some pretty surprising occurrences and conditions. I believe my extensive training provided a solid platform from which to do the work that looks like play, in the middle of whatever I encountered.
If you’ve read my writings for any length of time, you know I’ve said that folks often think visiting patients in the hospital is an “endearing idea.” They think this without a real understanding of what is involved. For them, it’s a warm and fuzzy idea in a cold, sterile world. I’m glad it looks easy to them — that’s what we would want for them, isn’t it?
Some aspiring to perform this wonderful service for others leap into training, but come away without what I consider to be ‘true preparation.’ Recognizing the fact that there are some awkward things ‘training’ can’t specifically prepare anyone for, but rather a broad-brush approach, to provide knowledge and confidence to deal with the unknown.
How to prepare for the Great Clown Unknown (I reference in my first book), requires training, mentorship and actual experience. To hold folks back from going on the floor until all the training components have been ‘checked-off The List,’ severely limits the effectiveness of any clown training program.
Some facilitators and hospital clown trainers like to make it all seem like Rocket Science. I promise you, it is not. It is much more like an art than a science.
Even if a hospital clown or healthcare family entertainer has a “clown doctor” persona, I assure you this ‘funny biz’ is much less about “science” than the actual ‘art’ of the human relationship. If there is even a bit of “science” in the mix, I guarantee the patients, family and staff will not permit you to perform the necessary surgery or medical procedures, no matter how extensive your training, check-marked accomplishments on The List, your “degree” or science background!
So — “awkward moments” happen. They happen for the reasons I listed above. They exist because people are people. These moments will continue to happen. The most effective way to deal with them is to be prepared the best way we can — through training and recognizing this fact. Otherwise, we are putting the mechanical aspects of what we do ahead of the actual administration of applied humor therapy — our true purpose for being there. The ‘work’ we do is based on the ‘art’ of the human relationship.
Remembering this helps lessen the impact of the OOPS! Factor… and don’t we all feel better about that ?!
5 Related articles you might find helpful are listed below this blog post (click on the title of this article, if you don’t see topics listed below)…
NEWly-published book especially for Hospital Clowns, Caring Clowns, Healthcare Family Entertainers, Applied Humor Therapists and SmileMakers, about entertaining in the healthcare setting (click on this linked text): Injecting Healing Humor in the Healthcare Setting: Entertaining Effectively in the Healthcare Venue
You’re invited to receive our FREE Hospital Clown/Healthcare Family Entertainer/Applied Humor Therapist/SmileMaker e-Newsletter… by signing up to receive FREE Hospital Clown e-Newsletter (click on this link here)
Click here for Miles of Smiles: Funny Smile Makerz Kit + MORE
Funny Smile Makerz have been popular for years with a lot of folks all over the place wanting to share smiles!
Funny Smile Makerz Kit + MORE is now available on our established Podclass platform. Podclass is the awesome place on the web where we’ve offered our AHeart4Clowning and Healing Humor webinars and audio programs since 2008. It’s a very user-friendly platform you can visit as often as you like, and enjoy our classes, webinars and products ongoing, indefinitely!
Over the years we have offered the Funny Smile Makerz Kit, it has grown, but so has the need! With this in mind, we expanded the Funny Smile Makerz to much more than just an art file to print out…
Funny Smile Makerz have always been able to:
- Easily share Smiles everywhere
- Print as many Smiles as desired, often as needed
- Produce quantities of Smiles in batches
We’ve repackaged and renamed it: Funny Smile Makerz Kit + MORE — and also included:
- 37 Totally FUN “Bright Ideas” eBook, filled with experienced presentation and production pointers to create more FUN and Smiles
- FUN Printable Label Templates, to share smiles more creatively
- Video Tips
- Easy Printing Tips eBooklet
The Tips and Performance Pointers are designed to help you create a presentation or performance segment built around and using Funny Smiles for all types of audiences and venues. These ideas are based on my tried-and-true experience as a Family Entertainer since 1997. We believe this repackaging offers much more value, service and product, presented in an all-in-one user-friendly environment, organized and easy for you to find, use and enjoy!
- Click here for Miles of Smiles: Check out Funny Smile Makerz Kit + MORE
This all-NEW very cool version of Funny Smile Makerz Kit is better than ever, with added features, NO waiting, NO email hassles.
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Our Promise: If the Funny Smile Makerz Kit + MORE fee increases — you will pay no additional charges.
When new materials are added to this program, you will receive the value at NO additional charge!
Check out our NEW Funny Smile Makerz Kit + MORE (click this link)
My Road or the Highway?! Entertaining Effectively in the Healthcare Setting...
I would suppose from the other side of the clown nose, in the healthcare setting, things look a little differently than as to those of us entertaining children of all ages, behind the world’s tiniest mask, as a hospital clown.
Now as I think about it, probably it also seems counter-intuitive that we are in fact performing as a family entertainer, sharing laughter, cheer and applying generous doses of humor wherever our meandering trail leads us that day in the hospital or healthcare setting, in the midst of all the sickness, sadness, uncertainty and death.
Ahhhhh! Such is the divinely topsy-turvy world of the hospital clown, caring clown, healthcare family entertainer! How perfect a setting, especially due to the very nature of the clown, where inside-out, upside-down, and what is — in actuality — is quite apparently not. See…?!
“Flexibility” is the name of The Game, as those clown shoes meander into each room and public space of the hosting facility:
- Each situation encountered is always entirely different from the last or the next, making profuse applications of “Improv” absolutely essential. (Expect this and you won’t be so surprised lol)
- With varying patient’s conditions and ongoing staff intervention of treatments and procedures, it is not always possible to complete each schtick or sight gag performance in its entirety. (Remain flexible, and you won’t disappoint.)
- Procedures and policies change, and new ones are often implemented, changing things-up for hospital clowns and healthcare family entertainers. (Deal with it — roll with the changes.)
- It is not appropriate for the hospital clown, caring clown or healthcare family entertainer to set about their work that looks like play with a mind only focused on their “work.” The true goal or mission of what they’re about isn’t really the ‘work’ at all — it’s all about the audience. (Keep the audience in focus, always in mind, as you entertain.)
We know it is said “For everyone to whom much is given, of him shall much be required,” and truer than true this could not be, for those of us so blessed with the privilege of spreading goodhearted laughter, cheer and Joy in the hospital or healthcare setting.
In the process of what we do, we are often allowed into a space where few are allowed or tread. That is hallowed ground indeed, where we cast away all that is, ignore our cares and fears, leading those who we meet right there to a place of Joy and Wonder of what might be — could be — is.
All very counterintuitive, you might think?
Thinking not: it all depends upon your perspective.
5 Related articles you might find helpful are listed below this blog post (click on the title of this article, if you don’t see topics listed below)…
NEWly-published book especially for Hospital Clowns, Caring Clowns, Healthcare Family Entertainers, Applied Humor Therapists and SmileMakers, about entertaining in the healthcare setting (click on this linked text): Injecting Healing Humor in the Healthcare Setting: Entertaining Effectively in the Healthcare Venue
You’re invited to receive our FREE Hospital Clown/Healthcare Family Entertainer/Applied Humor Therapist/SmileMaker e-Newsletter… by signing up to receive FREE Hospital Clown e-Newsletter (click on this link here)
It's all about the relationships... it's a Partnership
As with most worthwhile things, a hospital humor program requires more than one individual to establish, coordinate and run it. The starting point is a partnership-type relationship with a hosting facility, humor program initiators and participants.
By definition of partnership, the hospital or healthcare humor effort is by nature a joint venture, requiring commitment and participation on the part of all involved.
Unfortunately, this connecting point is where many hospitals or healthcare facilities are challenged, regarding establishing a viable channel from which to operate a humor program. A majority of facilities relegate humor program coordination to their volunteer department, often already overloaded with directing the day-to-day activities of a population that resembles a small city.
Humor programs do require special attention, by nature of the work done. In order to have an effective humor program and joint venture effort, it is critical to have the program defined, with all responsibilities, area(s) of operation, and activities clearly outlined.
This greatly aids the hosting facility, because:
- They know in advance where this entity is positioned within their operations and organizational heirarchy.
- It saves them valuable time, because it is implemented in tandem with a trusted, responsible partner.
By having all established activities and areas of operation defined and coordinated by an appointed volunteer, the only time spent by a staff member would be for an occasional debriefing or update meeting with the coordinator. Perhaps these meetings could be scheduled quarterly, and supplemented by a regular monthly program status report detailing group activity and plans.
Previously, I wrote outlining the many ways having such a humor program offers tremendous benefits to a hosting healthcare facility. I also wrote about the fact that such programs only come about based upon the all-important relationship between the facility and the participants. A successful program also spills over into the community, with far-reaching effects and building priceless community good will.
In times like these, humor is needed more than ever. This is no time to cut back on a simple program that will enhance the quality of patient care, substantially add to the wellness team, while building community good will at low to very little expense. A hospital or healthcare facility humor program run as a partnership will have far-reaching benefits, and positively sets the hosting facility apart from all the rest.
If you currently have or are participating with a hospital or healthcare humor program, and would like to fine-tune your efforts, or would like to establish a humor group, I offer a comprehensive online training program available on your schedule 24-7 (on-demand) – click on the linked text (below) for program details:
Work of Heart: Establishing Hospital Clown/Healthcare Entertainer Group – Train/Prepare/Equip
This online multimedia program not only provides a tried-and-true blueprint to save you valuable time in customizing a viable humor program tailored to your facility, but also over 100 pages of training materials for your group, along with printable hand-outs, performance pointers, training videos, and a Private One-on-One Personal 30-minute Coaching Session via Skype with me — Becky Cortino, to answer your questions, brainstorm solutions and ideas for your group or facility.
…I have written 3 books (to date) on this aspect, spoken on this topic, and presented this material internationally, in addition to training 245 hospital clowns in 10 consecutive sessions (comprised of local, regional and out-of-state attendees), a training program I concepted, implemented and directed, in partnership with my group’s hosting facility.
How may I help you?
Receive information to help you with your humor program: You’re invited to receive our FREE Hospital Clown/Healthcare Family Entertainer/Applied Humor Therapist/SmileMaker e-Newsletter… by signing up to receive FREE Hospital Clown e-Newsletter (click on this link here)
Recommended book: Injecting Healing Humor in the Healthcare Setting: Entertaining Effectively in the Healthcare Venue
The newest work published by A Heart 4 Clowning Press, is a book especially for Hospital Clowns, Healthcare Family Entertainers, Applied Humor Therapists, and SmileMakers on the topic of entertaining effectively in the healthcare setting, written by Becky Cortino.
Click here for more about: "Injecting Healing Humor in the Healthcare Setting: Entertaining Effectively in the Healthcare Venue"
“I’ve written this book to encourage those in the trenches, wanting to dispense generous doses of Healing Humor through performance in the healthcare venue,” the author said.
The third book in the AHeart4Clowning series, formatting of this guide is slightly different from the others. While topically-presented, versus traditional chapters, Becky describes it as “written like a conversation, inviting the reader’s participation. It is not intended to be an exhaustive resource of entertaining bits, but rather savvy solutions and ideas for active Healing Humor performers in healthcare wanting to be more effective.”
Written from the grassroots perspective of a volunteer and coordinator of what is believed to be one of the oldest all-volunteer hospital clown/family entertainer groups, this guide is based on Becky’s hands-on experience as a Hospital Clown and Applied Humor Therapist beginning in 1997. It is the second book in the “Injecting Healing Humor in the Healthcare Setting” series.
This book includes material Becky has written and presented in 10 consecutive training programs since 2004, training 245 hospital clowns and healthcare family entertainers (at this writing) in service at other healthcare facilities as well as her own group, those performing in other states, regions and countries.
Included in this inspiring guide are:
- Pointers and Tips for Entertaining in the Healthcare Setting
- Inspirations and Ideas for Putting Your Best Foot Forward
- Actionable Steps to be an Effective Healthcare Family Entertainer
- Journaling and List-keeping Section
- Special Reader BONUS Gifts ($45 Value)
For more information and to purchase: Injecting Healing Humor in the Healthcare Setting: Entertaining Effectively in the Healthcare Venue guide, click this linked text (here)
Click here for more about: Healing Humor Buttons for AATH
In addition to your smiles and provoking laughter and cheer wherever you go in your work and everyday, there is another way you can help to promote Healing Humor!
AHeart4Clowning.com is a longtime-supporter of Healing Humor, so in support of that concept and as a heartfelt benefit to the Association of Applied and Therapeutic Humor (AATH), we designed a button with Buttons for Hope that promotes both the concept, and provides contributions to AATH.
Show your support for injecting humor into every day and help spread the word about Healing Humor by wearing your “Healing Humor” Button, along with a smile!
Great for every day wear, as well as on Clown Rounds! Eye-catching multi-color ”tie-dyed” background with our “Healing Humor” logo and saying make a real fashion statement. These cool buttons serve as a reminder for those who wear them — and for those who see them.
The Association for Applied & Therapeutic Humor receives 50% of the sale all buttons — $4 from the sale of every button is contributed to AATH. AHeart4Clowning.com has 100% contributed the design and button concept, and receives absolutely NO proceeds or funds from button sales. This is a benefit to support AATH and the concept of Healing Humor.
Quantity discounts for purchases of 50 or more buttons are available upon request. Order buttons for your humor FUNshops, laughter clubs and sessions, training programs, speaking engagements, team members, group, troupe, or ministry!
Give Healing Humor Buttons away and share the laughter — these buttons are truly a gift that keeps on giving!
More details, to see and purchase Healing Humor Buttons, click here