Archive for the Category »Injecting Humor in Healthcare «
We learn something in everything we do — that’s called life. Keeping our eyes open and being observant. Evaluating the process with every step — how are we doing? Fine-tuning as we go, to reach the mark. Dedicated to the purpose.
In actuality, it’s not about the process — it’s about the doing… the sharing of the moment, the Joy, the laughter, the humor.
Some welcome the humorous interlude with open arms, embracing the moment. Others will only allow us a small space in time. Still others — will refuse. We have to offer up our gift in an enticing way, making it be an irresistible offer — one that simply cannot be ignored, in a gentle, non-invasive way. The choice to “receive” is left entirely up to the intended recipient.
Each time, we must remember the experience in delivering Humor, however it is presented. Our efforts will be most effective if we offer Applied Humor Therapy as the individual wants to receive it. We must meet them in that place. Or allow drive through, express-style. Whatever works in the venue, for the audience and the day.
As Applied Humor Therapists, we have a commitment to share the laughter, Joy and Healing Humor, injecting it in the spaces allowed. Then and only then, have we been truly effective.
Related Post: Injecting Healing Humor and Entertaining in the Healthcare Setting: Its All About Relationships
But wait! There’s much more to come on this topic…
Performers sometimes must change their tune!
…are the reason for the visit!
I remember the day well. We had just begun our Clown Rounds, and she came flying around the corner. When she got a look at us, she broke out into a huge, beautiful smile and warmly laughed, at the surprising sight standing before her. As I remember it, I think her laugh may have been one of those laughs of welcome-relief-to-see-us kind of laughs. You know — the kind that is relaxed, not forced, and maybe even a little self-soothing. She had just arrived at the hospital from out-of-town, to be by her father’s bedside.
Not hesitating one moment, she invited us in to meet him and spend a few precious minutes with them. We hadn’t even knocked on his door, before she greeted us and swept us away, inside his still, calm room. We accepted her gracious invitation and stepped into Center Ring. As always, we approached gently, quietly, so as not to disturb the sleeping older gentleman. I don’t believe his eyes opened the entire time we were in his room. But his daughter couldn’t keep her eyes off of us, and we talked and laughed and shared and had a wonderful visit.
As she held her dear daddy’s hand, she told him about us, and explained we were here to visit. I don’t believe he stirred a bit, nor even opened an eye to see. He just continued on, getting his well-deserved rest. She began to express her appreciation of our visit and how special it was to have the serendipitous experience of running into us (nearly!) as she did. We agreed. Once we sized up the room and patient situation as the door swung open, we knew we were “there” for the visitor, this time.
No doubt the patient receives benefits from a hospital clown’s gentle presence, even with eyes closed. I have personally witnessed this. But this time, it was the joyful interaction this visitor was craving, that helped her to slip into the room, and fill the otherwise silent void.
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…
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
Looking for a great schtick? Here’s one you can easily perform on Clown Rounds, at special events, Humor Clinics or whenever you feel this screening is needed!
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