Archive for the Category »Injecting Humor in Healthcare «
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: Celebrate 5 Years of Fab FUN!
Who doesn’t like to get gifts?!
Never before in the history of this blog (begun in 2007) have we had the wonderful opp we have today, to so generously gift our AHeart4Clowning Readers!
Here’s how AHeart4Clowning Readers receive $100+ Gift, from our Heart to yours…
This is a great time to buy those books you’ve been wanting to read, get our brand NEW book, buy books for your Healing Humor friends or clowning group — at a sweet discount!
Coupon CODE: BUYMYBOOKS305
This limited-time special promotion ends on December 14, 2011 11:59PM PST
More promotion details, book ordering Tips, and to grab your own special AHeart4Clowning.com Coupon, click this link: http://www.aheart4clowning.com/2011/11/28/discount-coupon-save-25-percent-on-aheart4clowning-books-for-hospital-clowns-and-healthcare-family-entertainers/
Click this link to preview and purchase AHeart4Clowning Books: http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/beckycortino
Please Note: This promotion, any and all related terms and conditions are offered by our Publisher, and are not under our control.
$$$>>>The amount you save depends upon your purchase, of course — but at a savings, with 25% discount! Enjoy 
2) Have you read our newest book?
Injecting Healing Humor in the Healthcare Setting: Entertaining Effectively in the Healthcare Venue
This book is especially for Hospital Clowns, Healthcare Family Entertainers, Applied Humor Therapists, and SmileMakers on the topic of entertaining effectively in the healthcare setting. In addition to being a great read providing:
- Pointers and Tips for Entertaining in the Healthcare Setting
- Inspirations and Ideas for Putting Your Best Foot Forward
- Actionable Steps to be an Effective Healthcare Family Entertainer
- Journaling and List-keeping Section
$$$>>>A Special Reader BONUS Gifts ($45 Value) is included! More about this book: http://www.aheart4clowning.com/2011/09/22/new-book-injecting-healing-humor-in-the-healthcare-setting-entertaining-effectively-in-the-healthcare-venue/
Preview and purchase this book here: http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/injecting-healing-humor-in-the-healthcare-setting/17270124
Click here to: Celebrate 5 Years of FAB FUN with Us!
3) Snag your own Comp Ticket to our 5 Years of FAB FUN Celebration in 2012! As a special “Thank you!” to everyone who has ever purchased any AHeart4Clowning book, CD, DVD (audio-or-video), a digital product or online course, we have a Special Online Event planned — details to be announced — be sure to register to receive event details, and your Complimentary Ticket to attend!
Register any purchase you make, to receive a Complimentary Ticket to attend AHeart4Clowning’s 5 Years of FAB FUN Celebration, a special “Thank you” from us to you! After you make your purchase, click this link for event details, and to register:
http://www.aheart4clowning.com/2011/11/07/aheart4clowning-celebrates-5-years-of-fab-fun/
$$$>>>5 Years of FAB FUN Online Event Ticket Valued at: $55.00(Complimentary)
Click here for More: AHeart4Cowning 4You
So, O-K — what’s the deal, how can this be?! Just over one year ago, I released a video explaining about AHeart4Clowning.com, our books and my efforts. In it, I pointed out that this site and AHeart4Clowning.com is not a “typical” ‘business model,’ for an organization to survive and thrive lol That is certainly true, and remains so!
Personally, I don’t “make a living” from this site or my efforts here, but I am pleased for the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience to benefit you. In turn, it has been a delight to meet so many like-minded folks! I wholeheartedly do believe that we make this world a better place by sharing our gifts and talents. I’ve been duly complimented by being accused of openly ‘walking my talk,’ and hopefully you can see this is evidenced as true, by all I put into this site and all AHeart4Clowning.com efforts for you…
So how can we “gift” $100 to savvy AHeart4Clowning Readers? Good question! For one thing, as they say — “timing is everything,” for us and for our Readers! All this happens to happily coincide with our upcoming 5 Years of FAB FUN Celebration, so that’s added coolness! It’s the ‘cherry on top‘!
But, this is all made possible through the excellent partnerships and long-standing working relationships we have. We are thrilled our Publisher is offering special promotions, because it means more folks are reading our books, more lights are shining in dark places crying out for it, creating miles and Miles of Smiles! YaY
Why am I offering BONUSES and a special Online Celebration? As a thank you to YOU, for your support of this cause, to bless you back. It is through your purchases of AHeart4Clowning books, our online courses and products, that this site remains here, constantly updated with fresh, new material ongoing, featuring important news that affects our ‘work,’ and spotlighting inspiring folks!
Through your comments, ideas and stories shared, ‘thumbs ups’ and sharing AHeart4Clowning.com, you have helped to make this site better. So, a heartfelt “thank you” for all of that. Thank you for all you do in your work, and also furthering this important idea of Applied Humor Therapy in the healthcare setting.
ADDED BONUSES: A series of FREE special events, features and FUN are planned for all of our AHeart4Clowning Readers throughout 2012 — stay tuned!
Click here to Stay Tuned: Lots Planned! Celebrate 5 Years of AHeart4Clowning FAB FUN in '12!
These events and FUN things will be ongoing throughout 2012, and NO registration is required — they’re for EveryBuddy!Watch this site and blog for details as they roll out 
So my hope for you, is not only increasing Joy in this work that only looks like play, but in some way I can, do and will continue to serve your needs through AHeart4Clowning.com
I sincerely hope if you buy a book, enroll in an online AHeart4Clowning course, or purchase a product from us, you will benefit greatly from it, as will all those you come into contact with, during your meandering journey.
If you never purchase anything from AHeart4Clowning.com, thank you for all you do and give, serving so actively in the Trenches! I hope you are blessed by all you find here, and what I offer helps you in your work.
Thank you one and all, for sharing Miles of Smiles!
My Heart to Yours,
Becky
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
Dr. Steven Eisenberg specializes in Medical Oncology and Hematology, is a strong proponent of using music therapy and humor, as part of helping his patients…
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
If video player doesn’t work, view vid by clicking this link: Music Therapy w/Onologist Steven Eisenberg: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/41743465/vp/43793404/
Dr. Eisenberg is founder of EnlightenMed, LLC: http://enlightenmed.com/
Lyrical Life: Healing through Connection, also established by Dr. Eisenberg: http://www.lyricallife.org/
Watch for upcoming interview on AHeart4Clowning TalkRadio!
>>>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)
Happy ThanksLiving!
At this time of the year, grateful hearts often turn inward to reflect on the days and years past, with thankfulness for many things that have transpired in the journey that got them to the arrival point called today...
I too, am thankful for so many wonderful things, but also thankful for things that while not as I would have liked — positively paved the way, shaped, and affirmed the direction and perspective of my work. These influences trained me up in the way not to go — most likely, in the opposite direction (as inferred) — but in the right direction, for me.
Daily, I am thankful for those who provided excellent and inspiring training. For those who allowed me to do the work that I knew I was destined to do — and did — and still do. Granted there aren’t a lot of folks who fall into this category, but thankfully there are fewer who were actually not supportive.
But I am sincerely thankful for those who were persistently not supportive of this work, of my unwavering Grassroots Perspective, and heartfelt desire to freely encourage and inspire as many folks as possible to engage in this wonderful work that only looks like play, from Day One. Were it not for you, perhaps I might have otherwise stopped my quest to learn and be so much more than I was (I never stopped trying), and to share my experiences with others, to help them.
Had you not so influenced me early-on, I might not have otherwise made such a big deal about spreading the Truth that all of this is really NOT “Rocket Science.” I might not have actually gone to such great lengths, and spent tireless hours to show those who were hungry to know more.
Had you not made it all seem like it was such a big, exclusive Secret that only the real Insiders could know and do, and if I — and all the others — were lucky enough, maybe we too could share the inner sanctum with you. Maybe I could have become mesmerized with the possibility. Perhaps I then would have just waited for that day ever to come. “Waiting” would have kept me too busy, preoccupied for anything else.
Then, I probably never would have written my first book, or my second book, or my third book, or my 4 online training programs, or established Humor-Bit TV or AHeart4Clowning TalkRadio, along with maintaining a half-dozen websites about Healing Humor, reaching so many, with encouraging messages and inspiring information they need to hear and want to know. 245 hospital clowns would not have received L-I-V-E training from a caring heart. The world would be a bleaker place, without the Miles of Funny Smiles now encircling it. If I believed at all in luck, and was anxious to be inducted into your inner sanctum, probably I would be waiting, still…
Had you not stressed your rigid requirement that all things fit neatly into a One-Size-Fits-All Approach, and I totally accepted that myth as fact, I might have never have realized the truth that One Size never fits all actually needed to be amplified far and wide — and so I did just that. “One Size” never works, especially in relationships, or in effectively injecting Healing Humor in healthcare. Afterall, that’s what we exist to do…
Your teaching helped me to understand the Truths that needed to be presented, so more hearts could be touched by compassionate others; more healthcare Humor Programs could be established, and improved. That’s what it’s all about, for me. I knew it was the Right Thing to do.
So thank you, my Naysayers of Days Gone By. I appreciate the fact that you challenged me! I whole-heartedly accepted that challenge. Had you not influenced me in the ways you did, and I did not feel compelled to run with this, we would not be having this conversation today.
Because of your influence, armed with unfaltering dedication, and a very clear understanding of my purpose, we made a positive impact in this world during the last 8 years!
But wait! There’s more…
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
Did you ever wonder what Patch Adams was really like? Would you like to catch a glimpse of his 110-acres in West Virginia, where he is beginning construction of his 40-bed free-care rural community hospital, a long-held dream at the Gesundheit Institute? This short documentary preview clip distributed by Bullfrog Films gives a peek…
I was very fortunate to personally speak with Patch Adams after my first book was published. He so very kindly called to congratulate me on it. His words were deeply meaningful, and his thoughtfulness is forever treasured.
Hearing Patch’s positive, encouraging words for my book and work mean so much to me, and remain a “Most Memorable Moment.”
Through the implementation of his ideas of applied humor therapy in the healthcare setting, I believe he paved the way for many of us to be able to share laughter and to “be” Joy (his words) in that venue — an environment crying out for it!
It is my sincere hope through my efforts here, my books, AHeart4Clowning TalkRadio Show, Humor Bit-TV, and multimedia training programs, will encourage more healthcare humor programs, while also supporting existing programs everywhere — to keep injecting humor in the healthcare setting.
Read about friend Robbo’s Humanitarian Clowning Trip with Patch Adams to Russia:
—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 and only FREELY offered since 2007, AHeart4Clowning e-Newsletter is filled with FUN ideas, tips, inspiring stories and updates!
Injecting Healing Humor in the Healthcare Setting Counts!
Sometimes healthcare facilities carry their quantitative analysis beyond the office suite, bringing it to the hospital clown, applied humor therapist, or healthcare family entertainer group. The reason they do this, is to measure your group’s contact on each visit or set of Rounds.
Needless to say, being so ‘in the moment,’ entertaining and doing work that looks like play doesn’t leave much room for an analytical mind. Math skills in that time and space, seem counterproductive to me.
Fortunately for our group, when asked, we could estimate. The best “guesstimate” for our team, was to base our reach on the patient census the day of our visit, and add in an estimated number of visitors.
Our reach — and likely yours, if you visit nearly all the patients in the hosting facility who can see you — is far greater than anyone else on any given day. Administration will be mightily impressed if looking for numbers!
However, if their quest is for more hard, fast and “real” numbers, you will need to devise a system…
Here are 4 ways to help you track the number of patients visited on Rounds:
- Some facilities require groups with a staff liaison, making “the count” much easier, since they have a list of patients you will see that day. If you need to add visitors into the count, employ a means that works with your performances. (More ideas, below…)
- Entertaining with at least one teammate, designate who will be the ‘analytical mind,’ to track numbers with a notepad, a mechanical or digital “counter” to tally the patients visited. Being clever, you may even work it into your routine. (I hope for your sakes and future performances, that this is only a temporary request, as I would find it difficult to keep up with. It is easily forgotten!)
- Based on estimated numbers, count out approved simple-fun giveaway items designated for patients, and something else cool for visitors. At the end of visitation, you can inventory your supply, to determine your numbers. (An inherent challenge with this technique will be when that cute little girl visiting wants what you brought to give her grandma, and vice versa. And so on…)
- Based on estimated numbers, bring along a uniform one-cool item for all, like a “Laugh Ticket,” a “Hug Ticket,” which can simply be dispensed from a colorful roll of stock tickets to all you see. (This works well, as long as no one wants an ‘extra’ (it happens), one of the items falls on the floor (rendering it uselessly contaminated lol), or you really do want – and – need to dispense another, to someone for some reason.)
…as you can see being analytical, counting, and even simple math while in the midst of sharing laughter and cheer is difficult to do! In this role, we are cast as “performer.” We exist to perform. Having to take extra steps and incorporate somewhat unrelated tasks, hinders the overall performance. It also drains at least some of the creative spontaneity in the appearance.
If you’ve read this blog for very long, you know I’ve written about the importance of the focus remaining on the patient, putting them first in all efforts at all times. Extraneous tasks and mandated responsibilities not actually related to entertaining divert the performers’ attention and mar the performance for the intended audience.
I’ve also explained why entertaining ‘in the moment’ with-to-and for the patient (audience) is critical for engaging them and effectively performing applied humor therapy. In fact, improvisation is important for an engaging performance.
For this reason, it is not advisable for a hospital clown group, applied humor therapist troupe, or healthcare family entertainers to be assigned the responsibility for tracking visitation numbers on Rounds.
Side Note: Since you likely visit a number of patients, remember to observe your hosting facility’s Infection Control policies and maintain best practices, to alleviate the possibility of spreading infection.
How about you and your group? Are you required to provide your hosting facility Administration the number of patients, and maybe visitors seen on Rounds? Please leave a comment describing your preferred tabulating method, and how it works for you…
More 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)
—-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)
—Share Miles of Smiles: Funny Smilemakerz Kit for Smiles on a Stick and Endless Smiles—