Archive for the Category »Establishing a Healthcare Humor Program «
It's all about the relationships...
The thought to visit sick patients in the hospital or to cheer the infirm is often an endearing idea to many folks, especially if they have never actively done this, or possibly considering this compassionate act. Doing so is a meaningful Gift of Heart.
Once fully-vested in the adventure or totally addicted to the experience of Joy-provoking in the healthcare setting, it cannot be replicated elsewhere, and the need-to-be-there-to-share is paramount. The main focus of the endeavor may be a compassionate act, but it is only a part of the journey.
As in ‘real’ life, each and every step is guided, enhanced or obstructed by relationships…
- How personally prepared one is to embark upon this journey, to handle whatever comes their way.
- How much a part of the Wellness Team the individual and/or group, troupe or ministry is, in actuality.
- How committed the hospital clown, caring clown or healthcare family entertainer is to their true purpose.
- How adept the performer is in interacting with the patients, staff and visitors in any and all situations.
- How much the hosting facility embraces and supports the effort.
So, perhaps you mistakenly thought you’re totally prepared with the best training available, many years of experience with the most gorgeous costume, makeup and shtick around — but you would be incorrect.
You see, our performance in the healthcare setting is never all about us. I beg of you to deeply consider yet another element that will literally make-or-break your act and effectiveness… it’s all about relationships.
More to come – I promise…
Charlie's Chaplains' Skool
Fall is fast approaching! Along with it comes wonderful opportunities to become more active, and discover new avenues of interest. For me, fall has always been a sort-of ‘New Year,’ as I launch out on a fresh stretch of months in a ‘New School Year,’ so-to-speak.
What do you have planned? What new things will you be doing? Will you be exploring new interests or adventures? Exciting times ahead! Are you prepared? Will you be ready for Prime Time?
If your heart is leading you toward hospital or caring clowning, or healthcare performing, here are some great resources, regardless of your level of proficiency or experience:
Attend a Live Event:
Frye Regional Medical Center’s Charlie’s Chaplains’ Skool “Work of Heart: Injecting Healing Humor in Healthcare” For Hospital/Caring Clowns, Family Entertainers, Healthcare Professionals, and folks interested in establishing a hospital clown or healthcare family entertainer group, 9th consecutive Skool — Weekend/or Saturday Intensive available on September 24-25, 2010 in Hickory, NC For info, click this link (here)
MultiMedia Training — Always available on your schedule, ongoing…
- Hospital Clowns and Healthcare Entertainers Private Mentorship Training Program, and for those Creative Arts Performers who apply generous doses of Healing Humor in the Healthcare Venue! Immediate access to all necessary materials and BONUS Gifts, upon sign-up! Ongoing program geared for all levels of experience, delivering individual mentoring on mentee’s own schedule, with training videos, audios and tried-and-true resources.
- “How to Establish a Hospital Clown or Creative Ministry Guide” Online Webinar Package, video book companion with downloadable materials, immediately available upon sign-up.
- Work of Heart: Establishing a Hospital Clown/Healthcare Family Entertainer Group – Train, Prepare & Equip: Video training, paired with 4 EBooks containing 103 pages of training materials; 4 printable booklets for your team or group training; arts enrichment/low-cost play-big group performance activities, more…Perfect companion to How to Establish a Hospital Clown or Creative Ministry Guide! Immediate access at sign-up.
- Healing Humor: Live Happy – Be Healthy! Online Audio Program — A self-paced Healing Humor online course with immediately available downloadable materials allows attendees to listen to audios at their convenience, enjoy EBooks and printables immediately! The course is presented in 5 separate audio segements, with related downloadables, all available online, to be listened to and enjoyed indefinitely, from the time of enrollment.
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
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)
Recently, I wrote an article on 7 Reasons Why Healthcare Facilities Need a Humor Program. The message must have resonated, based on the response. It’s not surprising, because the core concept itself is endearing to the majority of the public.
It is indeed a heartwarming thought of hospital clowns cheering sick children, or healthcare family entertainers performing for ailing patients. Without a doubt, such selfless acts are noble efforts. It’s easy to figure that through the freely-offered gift of heart, spirits are lifted and patient’s days are brightened. Perhaps that’s the ‘easy’ part to calculate in this formula.
Based upon documented fact and reliable research, the medical community recognizes and embraces the health benefits of applied humor therapy, and even encourages it. However, so many hospitals still have no Humor Program in place… leaving us to wonder – why? It couldn’t be for lack of willing volunteers, because in our trips and travels, we have met many experienced clowns and family entertainers wishing with all their hearts to spread laughter and cheer in the healthcare venue, if only given an opportunity and the necessary facility training.
Benefits of a healthcare Humor Program are far-reaching, even beyond the obvious health effects and spirit-lifting offered to patients, visitors and staff. In fact, in considering establishing a Humor Program, it is possible some related positive side effects might otherwise be missed in the big picture view amidst the flurry of planning and activity.
In the process, hospitals and healthcare facilities that establish a Humor Program may experience at least some of the following benefits for their own organization:
1) Build a reputation as a caring facility: Going that extra mile by offering something really special and totally unexpected — and not to mention different from all the other area hospitals!
2) Recognized as taking a personal approach: By providing a means for good will ambassadors to do some great PR, create smiles and happy memories that will last a long time in the hearts and minds that are touched by a special performance or gentle presence.
3) Receive a lot of promotional value and mileage: Through the positive, uplifting experiences provided purely as an ‘extra’ through a special service, given as a gesture of good will and shared freely and equally with all, throughout the facility on a regular basis.
4) Great good will and excellent community relations are cemented: When a Humor Program is well-executed, performs on a regular basis and becomes known for this ‘work’ that-looks like “play” — it is positively memorable.
Certainly quality patient care is the greatest concern of any healthcare facility. A Humor Program in tandem with and supportive of the hosting organization 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.
Does your healthcare facility have a Humor Program?
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.
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 Injecting Healing Humor in the Healthcare Setting