Archive for the Category »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
Online Training and Mentorship Programs and lots of Resources are available via AHeart4Clowning.com. For more information about programs and resources, click this link: Training from the Heart
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 "What is a Hospital Clown"?
This question is often asked, especially for a better understanding of the Hospital Clown’s role in the healthcare setting! Answers and some practices may vary, but the core essence remains the same.
To explain this best, AHeart4Clowning asked some friends in clowning to share their thoughts. We are pleased to present to you their insight and stories, on a special collaborative page, right here on AHeart4Clowning.com!
Armloads of Balloon Flower Bouquets of Thanks to: Deb “Giggles” Foy, Paul “Dr. Kidding, Jest Kidding” Kleinberger, Leslie “Happe” Gibson, Robin “Robbo” Burg, Cheryl “Sparkle” Oberg!
Click this link, to read: “What is a Hospital Clown“
NOTE: This is the first Special Feature in a series, part of AHeart4Clowning.com “5 Years of FAB FUN Celebration”!
Don’t miss a thing — all kinds of FUN planned throughout 2012!
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 to catch this AHeart4Clowning TalkRadio Show!
Tune into this episode of AHeart4Clowning TalkRadio Show to learn more about the health benefits and applications of Laughter Yoga, with Jeffrey Briar, Director of The Laughter Yoga Institute of Laguna Beach, and Founder of The Laguna Laughter Club.
The Laguna Laughter Club is the first club outside India to meet daily, garnering national and international press. Since its inception, more than 20,000 have participated in the Laguna Laughter Club!
Click here to listen to Laughter Yoga with Jeffrey Briar on AHeart4Clowning TalkRadio Show!
In this 30-minute interview, Jeffrey will:
- Discuss the history of Laughter Yoga and growing popularity
- Explain how Laughter Yoga works, and health benefits
- Share his discovery of Laughter Yoga and memorable experiences
- Provide information about where you can find a Laughter Club, and receive training!
This show airs L-I-V-E on Thursday, January 12 1PM ET/Noon CT/10AM PT! All shows may be listened to online, or your phone.
AHeart4Clowning TalkRadio Shows are recorded and can be enjoyed on your sched 24-7 from the AHeart4Clowning TalkRadio Show archive, or iTunes, both accessed from our main show page (here): http://www.blogtalkradio.com/aheart4clowningtalkradio
Click here to listen to Laughter Yoga with Jeffrey Briar on AHeart4Clowning TalkRadio Show!
Laughter Yoga with Jeffry Briar AHeart4ClowningTalkRadio Show: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/aheart4clowningtalkradio/2012/01/12/laughter-yoga-with-jeffrey-briar
Check out this great Laguna Laughter Club vid (previous post)
More about The Laguna Laughter Yoga Institute and Jeffrey Briar: http://lyinstitute.org/
AHeart4Clowning.com Readers Top 10 2011 Article List!
- TIP: How to Promote Your Hospital Clown Group Quickly, Easily at Little Cost
- Laguna Woods Caring Clown Senior Clown Alley Entertain Children of All Ages, with Heart
- Fun Hospital Clown Musical Stethoscope Idea
- Most Memorable Clown Moment: “Robbo’s” Humanitarian Clown Trip with Patch Adams to Russia
- The True Heart of a Clown
- A Heart 4 Sharing Humor Through Clowning, Interview with Kathy “Piccolo” Keaton
- Hearts and Noses Clown Troupe
- Hospital Clown Caring Clown and Healthcare Family Entertainer Performing for Children of All Ages
- Top 6 Hospital Caring Clown Healthcare Entertainer Training Articles/Resources
- Therapeutic Clowning Heals with Laughter: Jumpa and Sparkles At the Alberta Children’s Hospital
>>>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)
>>>AHeart4Clowning Books and MultiMedia Programs, click this link: AHeart4Clowning Books and MultiMedia
Click here for More: Leave Smiles Behind!
Along the meandering journey of an Applied Humor Therapist, Healthcare Family Entertainer, Hospital Clown or SmileMaker, many opportunities present themselves to share laughter, cheer and provoke smiles. Sometimes, those opportunities are in disguise, incognito or difficult to recognize, but it is important to identify them and seize the moment!
Don’t take “No” for an answer — here’s why – remember a little human psychology:
- Often in our darkest moments, when we need humor the most, we are not willing to receive it, or leave no margin of space to fit it in. This is where patients may often be found.
- Sometimes folks do not know how to accept a gift –from anyone, and it’s easier to pass on it. Not in the mode to openly accept, and especially from a surprise like you…
- Facilities sometimes see the obstacles more than understanding the far-reaching benefits of establishing a Humor Program.
- You are there as an active participant in this Great Adventure — this means you are not passive. You have a role, a duty, a blessing and responsibility.
Does this mean you should force humor or a red sponge nose, onto someone?
No — never.
As a professional Hospital Clown, Healthcare Family Entertainer, Applied Humor Therapist, or SmileMaker, our actions must be totally in control at all times, gentle, leaving space for the patient to make choices and decisions in our interaction with them.
But it does mean don’t accept “No” for an answer. There’s always a way — here are some examples:
- When a patient turns away a hospital clown, we are actually empowering them. We are the only one they can say “no” to. They may not want to hurt someone’s feelings, or be in too much pain to be even thinking about that. let them know even by a wave goodbye, accompanying by a smile and a wink, that’s it’s “OK,” turn and go. A little levity lessens their pain.
- Sometimes working with the patient, staff or visitor to help prepare or “warm up the audience,” makes them far more receptive to you and your gift of entertainment or small token of FUN. Humor helps.
- We may enter a patient’s room with some FUN idea, but must remain open to allow them to write the script, as we proceed — ongoing. They are the author; you are the facilitator.
We all agree on the widely-recognized fact that Healing Humor helps lessen pain, boosts the immune system, and brightens an otherwise sterile atmosphere. How to implement a Humor Program may be the main thing in question. Every facility is entirely different, so it’s program will also be unique, and not be a mandated system that isn’t a fit. A little help, some discussion and assurances paves the way to giving it a try.
Take no prisoners, leave only smiles behind!
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)
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
Click here for MORE: Injecting Healing Humor in the Healthcare Setting
We all know the work that goes on in the healthcare setting, the conditions all efforts seek to care for, are serious business. Long hours and highly-stressful situations greatly compound on-the-job pressures.
This is why injecting Healing Humor in the healthcare setting is essential for healthcare professionals, as well as for the patients.
Not unlike the health and immune system-boosting benefits of humor for patients, healthcare professionals also benefit in similar ways.
Here are a few reasons why it’s important for healthcare professionals to take out a little time for fun during their day, and some implementation strategies…
On-the-job Benefits of Humor:
- Resilience for dealing with the minute-by-minute occurrences, boosting care quality
- Maintain a clearer perspective, with an increased sense of control
- Positive attitude to frame up daily events and activities, lessening the feeling of burnout
A handy-dandy Humor “Tool Kit” for every healthcare professional to be kept close by at all times, that’s waaaay easy-peasy to use:
- Discover your own brand of humor, and treat everyone with generous doses of FUN
- Look for the existing humor in everyday… Laugh!
- Learn to laugh at yourself!
How to administer this Healing Humor in the healthcare setting?!
- If there is an established Humor Program in your facility (we hope so!), make use of it, and enjoy it! If folks come around to share some smiles and jokes — play along!
- Establish some strategies to share humor and smiles with others that work for you: telling jokes, wordplay, something FUN
- If there is NO established Humor Program in your place of work — SERIOUSLY — do something about that! Click link (here) for: Recommended Resources
FROM: Injecting Healing Humor in the Healthcare Setting for Healthcare Professionals, presented by Becky Cortino
>>>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)
>>>NEW: Injecting Healing Humor in the Healthcare Setting: Entertaining Effectively in the Healthcare Venue: http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/injecting-healing-humor-in-the-healthcare-setting/17288626
Our AHeart4Clowning “Books and MultiMedia” page has been redesigned, to make browsing easier, with our ever-growing collection!
When you click-through the links provided on our page, you will get more details about the books, be able to make your selection, and purchase directly from our Publisher.
TIPs:
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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)