Archive for the Category »Establishing a Healthcare Humor Program «
A real blast from the past on AHeart4Clowning TalkRadio Show! Encore presentation of our all-time MOST popular broadcast — ENJOY!
From our very first broadcast season, Becky Cortino explains:
- Need for training and continuing education for all
- Different levels of proficiency, to gear necessary training
- Types of training, to make any training program more effective
SHOW NOTES:
The Healing Humor Program discussed in this show is now available as an online multi-media program. For more details and to enroll, click here: Healing Humor: Live Happy – Be Healthy
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That’s right! Absolutely NOTHING… and it’s pretty drab, boring, downright cheerless, and probably depressing — for everyone. Don’t let this happen! Add color, smiles and cheer to the healthcare setting near you — TODAY.
“Healing Humor is NOT a Band Aid — it’s a Way of Life.
It’s for EveryBuddy!” ~ Becky Cortino
REMEMBER: A Smile is a terrible thing to waste.
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Resources and other Great Stuff to help you:
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)…
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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)
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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)
—Share Miles of Smiles: Funny Smilemakerz Kit for Smiles on a Stick and Endless Smiles—
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
AHeart4Clowning TalkRadio Show
Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities offer Critical Care through Healing Humor Programs at low-to-NO-cost, Build a Priceless Caring Reputation — and it is NOT Rocket Science! Here’s why… Does your hospital or healthcare facility have a Humor Program?
Applied Humor in the healthcare setting has tangible benefits!
A continuing theme I have shared here in my writing and presentations that I have personally experienced, is the importance of preparing and equipping a hospital clown group, troupe or ministry. I share this with you, my readers, because I often hear this concern voiced by other hospital humor group coordinators.
A group must be nurtured with appropriate training that “fits” the facility (not the trainer/presenter’s own idea of ‘how it’s supposed to be’), exactly in line with the prevailing philosophies, standards and approved practices.
No one can be considered “trained” for any ‘job’ without proper instruction from the hosting facility, entity or group. Proceeding without adequate preparation is a recipe for impending disaster which defies logic, given the restrictions, security and privacy issues that shape and define all activity within the healthcare realm.
Depending upon the nature of the venue and the size of the group, training may take different forms, or be a combination of special sessions, on-the-job, mentoring, and more applications. For coordinators and group leaders concerned with the proficiency and quality of performance of their group as a whole, I have some tried-and-true recommendations…
On Rounds, for consistency in delivering applied humor therapy, in a controlled environment: train and provide specified schticks, sight gags and mini-performances identified as being in keeping with the facility demeanor, and the setting. This helps folks new to entertaining begin to build their skills and confidence in performing, while providing them some ready material to draw from and build their repertoire upon.
Here are 3 reasons why providing supplies is important:
- Providing the tools needed, all materials to perform these specified bits, and required supplies assures uniformity and predictability, which meets objectives and allows the newer, less experienced folk to become more fully acquainted with a limited realm of performance responsibilities. Entertaining bits and shticks can always be expanded, as they gain experience.
- All materials are approved by the hosting facility in every way: patient and environmental safety; assurance the item does not pose a threat of harm in any way (audible, known sensitivities, visual, etc.); is hygienic and able to be properly cleaned/disinfected; not promotional material of any kind for services or other informational/persuasive materials.
- Presuming your group is volunteer-based, and no one is reimbursed for their time, costumes or makeup: Save team members money otherwise spent purchasing possibly inappropriate items, that they can apply toward their costumes and makeup. This will result in a more professional-looking group of hospital or caring clowns, and healthcare family entertainers.
The bottomline on all of this, in taking the approach of actually providing the group supplies, training and entertainment bits is:
- Consistency in performance.
- Higher liklihood of participant’s quality appearance.
- Greater participant focus on the 2 things that will impact their performing: 1) what to do/how to present; 2) how they look — professional or not. As a whole, these 2 factors will make-or-break their performance.
Are you wondering how to make the needed materials available for Clown Rounds? Customized Hospital Clown Carts filled with all the essential items are a fun, colorful and convenient way to dispense this happy fun. I take you through the steps of creating a serviceable Hospital Clown or Humor Program Cart to use on Rounds in my online mentoring program. To view, click this link here.
This applies to anyone who is a hospital clown, caring clown, healthcare family entertainer, applied humor therapist or smilemaker in the healthcare setting…
Wondering: What is the ‘True Heart of a Clown’ – ?!
I have broken the word ‘heart’ down letter by letter, to define it through an acronym: h-e-a-r-t:
“H” stands for: Happy. The True Heart of a Clown emanates from the spirit. The heart of the being is the message. The message is communicated through the words, actions, and approach. Happiness is the mission – the goal – the message, experienced through the discovery of joy and wonder.
“E” stands for: Ebullient. The True Heart of a Clown overflows with joyful enthusiasm. While sometimes confronted with sad moments in time, the spirit is always uplifting, while sympathetic to the situation or compassionate to the presented need.
“A” stands for: Artful. The True Heart of a Clown is filled with creativity, as demonstrated in performance, communication, the clown’s very being. By effectively applying artfulness to his craft, the performer and message are set apart from the rest, gaining the audience’s attention.
“R” stands for: Resilient. The True Heart of a Clown is filled with resillience, as he is able to perform, present and play off as well as to the audience. Through the skill of reading the audience, he can entertain improvisationally, touching hearts with a special message for each audience member.
“T” stands for: True. The True Heart of a Clown is filled with truth and communicates it with truthfulness: in the message, in the method, in the performance — therefore, the effect, the message rings with truthfulness. This fact is evidenced throught the history of clowning. A prime example if the court jester, who in medieval times told truths, even about the king without losing his head!
The True Heart of a Clown is Evident:
Hospital or caring clowns seek to promote healing humor in the healthcare setting for patients, visitors and staff. Humanitarian clowns seek to spread joy and hope to as many hearts as possible, throughout the world.
Sometimes the True Heart of a Clown is exemplified by someone in their hospital bed, from a wheelchair, or a most unexpected place!
Remember the True Heart of a Clown is not always represented by one wearing clown makeup, or an outfit intended to be ‘funny’ in appearance.
No offense intended, but…
This may surprise some folks — maybe even offend — to know that in essence they too, are also “clowns.”
In actuality, no one should be offended… for you see, to be a clown is to be “human.”
All of the elements listed above are really what a human heart needs to have.
The bottomline is this:
“Love” is the universal language so needed in this world. Just look around, and you can see this truth.
A smile is understood by all, no matter what language is spoken.
A compassionate act is received with understanding, no words needed — really.
My wish for You: May you always Live in Truth and Love in Truth.
My Heart to Yours,
Becky
Article excerpted from the book written by Becky Cortino: From the Heart: Inspirations, Issues & Asides – Wisdom & Words from the True Heart of a Clown, From the Trenches: Injecting Healing Humor in the Healthcare Setting
Encore: Hear this message on AHeart4Clowning TalkRadio Show recorded broadcast, by clicking this link (here)
For More Information on: How to Establish a Hospital Clown or Creative Ministry Guide companion online webinar mentioned in this audio, click on this link (here)
(Note: “40 Fun Fab Ways to Add Humor to Your Everyday” eBook mentioned in this broadcast is no longer available for download on AHeart4Clowning.com)
Are you planning a training program, conference or session? Are you preparing for good attendance, and possibly to expand the number of attendees? In addition to great training, do you hope to increase your group membership?
Becky Cortino AATH Presentermembership?
This is the goal of many folks and organizations who plan fabulous training programs every year. Yet, I hear “the numbers are down.” Such has been the word on the street for several consecutive years, in actuality. Because the dwindling numbers seem to be a persistent condition, I don’t think we can any longer blame them on “9-11,” gas prices, the economy, and anything-else-you-want. I think this problem is caused by a number of factors. Let me explain with a couple of recently-presented examples…
Not long ago, a colleague shared with me how some organizations in a particular niche don’t co-promote conferences and programs with other groups. In examining this situation, we determined each organization has its own culture and way of doing things — that is what sets them apart. Each entity is comprised of a unique set of individuals, with some spill-over in membership, of course. Due to the group’s parameters, focus and mission, their interactions and dynamics are different. Yet it is an undeniable fact that there may be — and probably is — an overlap of interests and desires are shared by these groups, to an extent.
Coincidentally, later that day I received a magazine from an organization I’ve been a member of for a long time. I glanced at the nice cover, and began reading it. Paging through, all the faces were almost all the same faces I see in any other magazine from this niche — the same folks! The upcoming program features the same — or very similar — training segments, taught by the same people! I actually surprised myself with this discovery, and then had to really search through the magazine to be sure which organization published it. I was unsure — blindsided by the similarities! The organization’s identity was not clear in my mind, and the upcoming conference details couldn’t be easily located.
Simply Thinking Outside-the-Box: Both of these examples provide ample opportunity for any organization, group, troupe or ministry that wants to offer a great training program, conference or convention, and grow attendance and membership:
- We are on the Same Team, and always have been. Work together, not as the ‘opposition.’ Working together for a common cause is always far more powerful than trying to compete in a market that supports a concept or philosophy — such as “Healing Humor,” ‘clowning around,’ adding some Joy and color to the increasing-gray world we share. More voices in unison get heard.
- Don’t be afraid to create a truly unique group identity or mission statement, to set your group apart from the others. If as a marketing-communications media consultant with decades of experience I can’t tell your publication apart from the others — that should tell you something. If I have to work hard to figure that out because I want to, you can imagine the confusion you’re creating in the marketplace!
- Always vary training programs and presenters. I love seeing a ‘familiar face,’ but ignoring new ideas presented by fresh faces or folks with a different perspective helps turn program offerings unintentionally stale very quickly. If I can see the same person at another program closer to home, or in tandem with many-many others I’ve already have heard several times before, a presentation remix is a welcomed transfusion. If attendance is down, I’m just sayin’…
- Creativity Inspires: Try something different! As hospital clowns, caring clowns, healthcare entertainers and related Healing Humor niches — we operate in a world that is based at least in part on the concept of creativity. Why should we ever allow our training programs to become formulaic in nature? Sessions and conferences may have similar underpinnings that set them apart from others (or should) — but to be viable, all segments must be allowed to be reworked and revamped to provide fresh, new content — presented in new ways.
SUMMARY: I believe the days are now long gone that many people will continue to attend a “yearly” meeting — or even regular training — if it does not offer them something different and useful. In fact, the more immediately-delivered benefits and useful information perceived as personally valuable by each attending individual, the better. This is the nature of the market ‘today,’ and what people are looking for. At the same time, there is growing competition for time, dollars… and attention spans are growing shorter.
Several years ago, the founder of a well-known training program admitted attendees said they came for the “entertainment” factor, not so much to learn. To me, that is a telling statement.
If you or your group are looking for a training program or presentation from a fresh perspective (click this link)
TIP: How-to Promote Your Group or Training Program at Little to No Cost (click this link) <—on your own — this isn’t a pitch!
How may I help you or your organization? (click this link)
Always Available on Your Schedule: AHeart4Clowning ongoing Online Training and Mentoring Programs (click this link)
To Encourage & Inspire Touching Hearts thru the Arts!
My heartfelt mission is: Helping to Prepare, Equip & Train those with the True Heart of a Clown to inject Healing Humor into the Hospital or Healthcare Setting, as a Hospital/Caring or Therapeutic Clown, Healthcare Family Entertainer, Applied Humor Therapist… or to establish a Hospital/Healthcare Humor Program!
I’ve written prescriptions and provided the tools for those of us at the Grassroots Level (that’s you ‘n me, by the way!) to use. You can pick from a whole array, choosing the most palatable form that’s easiest for you to digest. This way, you can make best use of the material, according to your own situation or group plans!
My books, audio/video products, and multimedia are geared for all levels of experience. Everything is written in a down-to-earth style, based upon hands-on experience from a me-and-you perspective, not from a Corporate Ivory Tower How-to, or pontificating upon the multitude of minutiae you must always keep in mind, that will forever hold you back from sharing laughter and joy in the healthcare setting.
Don’t miss out on oodles of FREE Resources! Since publishing my first book in 2007, I have freely been offering loads of insight, information and cool ideas here to help you — so be sure to check around my AHeart4Clowning.com site, and sign up to receive our newsletter to keep updated!
Make 2011 your best year ever for Massive Healing Humor Injections! Everyone’s waiting for you…
Injecting Healing Humor, also known more widely as Applied Humor Therapy in the Healthcare Setting, is a Work of Heart. It is a gift freely given, to ease a patient’s pain or sadness, a visitor’s grief, a stress-buster for the staff. It is a recognized need in this highly-regulated and often tentative environ, as well as outside the walls for the rest of the world.
The need is so intrinsic to health, the concept so clown-simple, I can’t help but believe one of the reasons why so many wish to deny this basic human need is because it’s like reminding someone to breath. But reminding someone to breath is much more acceptable, it seems…
There are countless benefits to having a Humor Program in the Healthcare Setting. While every facility is different, as established within their parameters, the results are priceless.
For little to no money invested in such a program, if executed properly, the results and community good will could not be otherwise purchased.
Here is a 5-article series I wrote on this topic:
Benefits of and Reasons for a Healthcare Facility Humor Program:
http://www.aheart4clowning.com/2010/05/06/7-reasonswhy-healthcare-facilities-need-a-humor-program/
Setting up a Healthcare Humor Program, Appropriate to Your Facility:
About AHeart4Clowning MultiMedia and resources I have written and produced, specifically for this venue:
Books and MultiMedia — Establishing, Training, Preparing and Equipping a Hospital Clown or Healthcare Entertainer Group:
MultiMedia Program now Available — Establishing, Training, Preparing and Equipping a Hospital Clown or Healthcare Entertainer Group:
Register to receive the largest FREE Hospital Clown/Healthcare Family Entertainer/Applied Humor Therapist/SmileMaker Newsletter (electronic)
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