Archive for the Category »Hospital Clown Tip «
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)
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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
- 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)
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)
Click here for More: Entertaining Effectively in the Healthcare Venue
At one of the training programs I led, a student told me that what I shared regarding the importance of improv really flipped a light on in her mind. Being primarily a “skit” clown performer, she was really excited about this discovery and looking forward to exploring improvisation!
I was excited for her too, making this breakthrough! I shared with her that I knew this would also greatly help her in her upcoming humanitarian clowning trips she had planned.
Then, the unimaginable happened — when the improv training segment came around, she was off in another class (similar to what she had taken in a previous training program I held).
My reaction: I was highly disappointed for her, because I knew she was missing an opportunity to learn and grow in a new way. For sure, she would come away with a fresh perspective and some new performance tips.
Yet, I understand this is what we call ‘human nature,’ repeating those familiar things or what we most enjoy, but — letting that stand in front of growing in our knowledge and proficiency in this art. It’s like repeating what we already know, and if we learn anything new, it’s just piling more information on top — leaving a void of Great Possibilities yet to be filled. Worse — maybe never filled!
How about you? Have you explored a new art or performance style that would help you in your applied humor therapy routines or add some spark to your clown rounds? It’s natural to feel tentative about trying something new, but why would you want to stunt your growth in learning and exploring all the possibilities of what you can do, or be as a hospital clown or healthcare family entertainer?
Isn’t that a little like cheating your adoring audience, waiting to see what’s next — and you make the dreaded mistake of actually repeating the same thing you did last time?! YIKES Even if the facility staff sees you doing this, it makes you look ill-prepared and non-professional, with a sorely limited repertoire.
Life is improvisation. It is not “fill-in-the-blank” in Real Life. Living life successfully, as well as entertaining effectively is not a “formula.” In our world, where coloring outside the lines and being “different” is lauded as being ‘good,’ why embrace an Old School mentality? This doesn’t serve your audience well, help you meet your purpose, or allow you to be the entertainer you’re capable of being.
In the kind of work we do that looks like play, it is critical that we are able to be flexible, proficient in a number of presentation modes, and able to roll with things as they happen, because even on stage in a real theatre with a script in hand, “things” can happen.
This thought goes beyond improvisation, although improv is certainly a large part of what we do. To be a well-rounded performer who can meet their audience wherever they are, in whatever condition we find them, we must be prepared. That includes knowing more than a trick or two — but doesn’t necessarily mean buying a trunk load of props and items you might use every now and then. It’s more about you and what you bring to your performance, and how you add your flair or special spin to the whole presentation.
The work we do is already stepping out of our comfort zone, and into a place we do not inhabit, save for the few hours we spend there. Why impede the positive effects and health benefits you can share with those who need you to be there, always giving your best?
My advice: Realize this situation for what it is. Step out of your comfort zone to learn something new — and grow some more! You may discover something you don’t like… you will learn something new!
NEWly-published book especially for Hospital Clowns, Caring Clowns, Healthcare Family Entertainers, Applied Humor Therapists and SmileMakers, about entertaining in the healthcare setting:
More about this recommended book (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)
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)
Sometimes: Out of the Ashes arises a Clown!
It’s often interesting to hear how folks get involved in this kind of “work” that looks like ‘play.’ It seems the attraction and draw to cheer patients in the healthcare setting is as varied as the individuals themselves, although occasionally there are some similar-themed stories of auspicious beginnings.
Many are drawn to this venue in a variety of forms, as: hospital clowns, caring clowns, therapeutic clowns, family entertainers, applied humor therapists and smile makers. Their aim is to do what we do spreading laughter, cheer and injecting Healing Humor wherever we go, and however we can — whenever it is a prescription to be filled.
Folks are sometimes attracted to the idea of what we do in the healthcare setting because they were at one time in a similar setting as a patient or with a loved one. Perhaps they experienced the art and joy of hospital clowning in action firsthand, and their heart was touched. They would like the opportunity to pay it forward for someone else in similar condition or situation, or to make a difference, as they well know the positively-brightening effect of properly-applied humor on dark days.
Whatever the draw to this venue, once clown shoe hits the facility floor on Clown Rounds, folks’ individual responses may surprise even themselves. It is possible that flashbacks of sad times may manifest, making it difficult to go on visitations. Memories and personal experiences may prove to be too much to be able to serve in this way, and to be effective.
Sometimes, even those folks who do not have sad memories to override are affected by the condition and situations they see. It can happen. There are ways to address this reaction… here are 4 strategies:
- Prior to visitation, any hospital clown, healthcare entertainer, applied humor therapist must prepare themselves for the session. Part of the preparation process is to step ‘outside themselves,’ isolating their personal views, life experiences, and memories from their actual modus operandi while visiting. In essence, they transform into the character they are to become, no longer to be the person they were, before getting into ‘character.’
- Focus needs to be placed entirely on the patient, and completely away from self — that is why we are in the hospital or healthcare setting. It is the only way we can effectively do the work we do. If your reach is only as far as you (yourself), your reach will extend no further with diminshed effect.
- Realize there may be a time in your life when you might be vulnerable, and not able to serve as you know you can or could. At those times, it’s better to sit-out a visitation or several scheduled visits, until you feel your confidence returning.
- Remember your purpose in the healthcare venue is to cheer and uplift others — not yourself. It seems to be a natural byproduct for the cheer-giver to also receive positive benefits, but that is not the purpose of what we do. If your intended purpose is unclear, it is better to receive more training and to get clear on your own motivations and intentions. It is true — this venue is not for everyone.
Since my unexpected debut as a hospital clown in 1997, I have heard many moving and inspirational stories of those who seemed to emerge “out of the ashes“ of where they were, and successfully become incredible clowns.
I have also personally witnessed on more than one occasion, when someone with a willing heart to do this work, just couldn’t walk their talk. It was almost like an invisible binding kept them from being the kind of clown they were sure they could be, but — they could not be set free from what was holding them hostage.
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.
If I may be of assistance to you or your group in some way as related to this and more RE: training, preparing and equipping — I offer resources and ongoing online training 24-7, available on your schedule from the comfort of your computer, anytime — wherever you are:
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
Funny Smile Makerz Kit + MORE: Share the Smiles!
Injecting Healing Humor in the Healthcare Setting: Entertaining Effectively in the Healthcare Venue (NEW Book)
5 Related articles you might find helpful are listed below (click on the title of this article, if you don’t see the topics listed below)…
Hospital/Caring Clown, Healthcare Entertainer Training is Essential
Training is really year-round for those in this ‘work’ that looks like “play.” After required training and updates, much learning is on-the-job. This actual on-the-floor-time ‘training’/experience is intensive, ongoing discovery about new situations and conditions, as well as finding new ways to entertain and delight at every turn along the merry way.
Since this time of the year brings many folks back to school, my thoughts often run to training programs and actual ‘school’ programs, teaching different skills and preparing the team to go out, meeting anything that comes their way in their meandering journey into the Great Clown Unknown.
May we never, regardless of our number of years of experience, become complacent and believe we do not need ongoing training, inspiration and support…
The following are our Top 6 Articles on Hospital Clown, Caring Clown, Healthcare Family Entertainer, Applied Humor Therapist, and SmileMaker training considerations, essentials, and ideas, along with helpful resources:
- Critical Care: Hospital Clown, Healthcare Entertainer Training is Important
- Critical Care: Purpose, Rationale, and necessity of Hospital Clown Training
- Character Clown Development from Within (Part 1)
- Character Clown Development (Part 2): 8 Tips in Selecting the Right Training Program
- 3 Tips for Adapting Material Learned at a Conference or Convention for Your Hospital Clown, Caring Clown, Healthcare Family Entertainer Groups
- Question Answered RE: Hospital Clown Certification and Paid Positions in Healthcare Clowning/Applied Humor Therapy
Resources:
Go with the Right Heart into the healthcare setting...
Are you in love with the idea of what you do as a hospital clown, caring clown, as an applied humor therapist or maybe even as a healthcare family entertainer? Or — are you in love with the “idea” of what it’s all about?
It’s a noble thing we do, to generously dispense Healing Humor all ’round, giving of ourselves and sharing laughter and cheer in dark places crying out for it, isn’t it?
At the same time, it may surprise you, as it does me — folks who are seemingly so “sold” on the idea of injecting Healing Humor in the healthcare setting — in actuality are often much more in “like” with what they “do,” and more in “love” with the idea of what it’s all about.
What do I mean by this? I mean there are folks who love to:
- get all decked out and show up — which is surely a good thing, but don’t welcome training opportunities that would help them to be more proficient, professional and effective.
- talk about this cool thing they do down at the hospital or visiting those folks in the nursing home, but rarely can fit it into their always-busy schedule.
- entertain, be the center of attention, cheer the patients and staff, but put very little effort into their props or presentation (physical or look).
Guess some folks think “something” is better than ‘nothing.’ However, if we measure effectiveness for the effort expended, these are mindsets that will quash, demean or lessen the effect.
The purpose of ‘being there’ in the first place is patient-centered:
- If you’re not constantly learning, and open to receiving training ongoing from experienced and professional trainers and mentors, you’re quickly losing ground. You’re not top-of-your-game, or giving your best.
- If you’re not there, you’re not putting the patients “first” — you’re putting your schedule ‘first.’ If you’re “sold” on this concept, you must ‘sell yourself out’ to it fully. Otherwise — it’s expensive lip service you’re giving, for the money you spent on your trappings, props and supplies, isn’t it?
- All props and costumes become worn with use. Some items are not really intended for the use we make of them and wear out quickly or not be of quite good enough quality. If you are not willing to give your best in every way, it will come through every time in your performance and delivery. You don’t need to spend big bucks for a fabulous look — a little time and attention to detail go a long way.
It is amazing the number of folks who:
- will willingly and repeatedly turn down excellent training to further the art and increase their proficiency and professionalism offered by their own local organization (and not getting it anywhere else either, I might add!), and instead continue to do what they’ve always done, thinking that is “good enough.”
- would not otherwise make rounds were it not required by some organizations, in order to be “active.” If you’re part of an effort, you need to be an actual participant, not just on the roster.
- believe any old thing they want to bring along with them to the hospital, nursing home, or healthcare facility is ‘fine just as it is,’ or little care is taken in preparation to “be there.”
So, in the midst of all of these mindset-things that pull folks away, divert their attention, or fool them into thinking “this is good enough for now — I’m here, aren’t I?” Their efforts are marred, missing the mark, and not as effective as they could be.
If you think about it, in the hospital or healthcare setting you have one opportunity to “make it” — or not. You have a special one-on-one performance just for that patient, a staff member who needs a lift, or how about that worried relative who’s visiting? How can you look them in the eye and not give them only the very best — and all you’ve got?
Everyone is counting on you.
Entertaining in the Moment with AHeart4Clowning
As performers in the hospital or healthcare setting, our focus is on the patient. Because we’re constantly sizing up our audience’s situation, looking for ways to empower them, easing their discomfort, while gently applying generous doses of healing humor – improvisation is the most effective mode of delivery.
This is a key element, and why “skits” don’t work in the one-on-one healthcare venue. ‘Schticks,’ tricks, sight gags, and other portable components that can be pulled out of your hat, from your sleeve, and plugged-in anywhere at any time are invaluable and if appropriately used, can be effective.
Entertaining in the Moment is the most effective way to dispense Healing Humor, as an Applied Humor Therapist. Otherwise, if we are so busy ”performing,” we miss the all-important connection with the patient, and the flight to that Place of Joy and Wonder. For this reason, I call the act of Entertaining in the Moment “The Sweet Spot.”
Two related articles you might enjoy (in addition to 5 listed below…):
Hospital Clowns, Healthcare Family Entertainers: Which Comes First: The Patient or the Act?
Hospital Clowns and Healthcare Family Entertainers Perform for Children of All Ages
(TIP: Click on the title of this post, if you want to read but do not see the additional list of 5 Related posts…)
Piccolo's Musical Stethoscope
At the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor (AATH) Conference in Orlando, I attended my friend Kathy “Piccolo” Keaton’s session on hospital clowning. As part of her presentation, she reviewed various props she uses during her hospital visitations.
She shared a lot of great ideas and fun stuff with the attendees, but the one item that caught my eye was her Musical Stethoscope! I was so captivated by this fun, cool idea, I asked Kathy’s permission to share it with you, and she agreed.
As you may be able to tell from the picture of “Piccolo,” she is wearing her Musical Stethoscope, a plunger attached to stethoscope tubing and ear pieces (could be play, costume or real). But wait — there’s more! Inside the plunger is the real fun, which Kathy explained… it’s a music button!
“You can get these little music buttons at any craft store. They’re for people making dolls or music boxes, cost only about $3, and play all kinds of tunes. I have Christmas ones I switch out during the holidays,” Kathy said.
The featured tune in Piccolo’s Musical Stethoscope the day she demonstrated it: “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.”
Kathy’s BONUS TIP: “Be sure NOT to say it’s musical – just push it and place it on their heart, and then softly say: “Oh . . . . you have a song in your heart!” It’s really sweet, and everyone around appreciates the thought.
Total fun! Thank you Kathy aka “Piccolo” for sharing this very cute and clever idea, to inspire others.
>>>If you would like to hear more of Kathy’s wealth of experience, I interviewed her on AHeart4Clowning TalkRadio Show:
>>>For More Information about Kathy and her applied humor therapy work, be sure to visit Piccolo The Clown’s website: http://www.piccolotheclown.com/
>>>Did you enjoy this tip? To read more, sign-up to receive our FREE Hospital Clown e-newsletter: http://www.aheart4clowning.com/sign-up/