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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)
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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—
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)
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…)
NEW Funny Smile Makerz Kit + MORE for MORE Smiles!
Recently, I shared with you that due to a change in services provided, our publisher informed some of our products will no longer be available for purchase after July 18th.
In addition to our audio and video products, our Funny Smile Makerz Kit is no longer available for download from our publisher site. Earlier this summer, we relocated the Kit there for ease of purchase and delivery, from the previously-established email delivery system.
Keeping in mind the purpose of this very popular kit, and the kind of work you do, we reviewed possible ways to continue to make the Funny Smile Makerz Kit available. Over these years, it has grown!
We’ve also heard your feedback, thoughts and ideas. You’ve told us how much you’ve enjoyed using the Funny Smile Makerz Kit, and we know the folks who get the Smiles get so much more from the experience.
Based on all this, we determined a redesign was in order, and the best way to offer the Funny Smile Makerz Kit + MORE was on our established Podclass platform. Podclass is the awesome place on the web where we’ve offered our AHeart4Clowning and Healing Humor webinars and audio programs since 2008. It’s a very user-friendly platform you can visit as often as you like, and enjoy our classes, webinars and products ongoing, indefinitely!
Over the years we have offered the Funny Smile Makerz Kit, it has grown, but so has the need! Keeping all of this in mind, we have expanded this product to much more than just an art file for you to print out…
Funny Smile Makerz have always been able to:
Easily share Smiles everywhere
Print as many Smiles as desired, often as needed
Produce quantities of Smiles in batches
We’ve repackaged and renamed it: Funny Smile Makerz Kit + MORE — and also included:
- 37 Totally FUN “Bright Ideas” eBook, filled with experienced presentation and production pointers to create more FUN and Smiles
- FUN Printable Label Templates, to share smiles more creatively
- Video Tips
- Easy Printing Tips eBooklet
The Tips and Performance Pointers are designed to help your create a presentation or performance segment built around and using Funny Smiles for all types of audiences and venues. These ideas are based on my tried-and-true experience as a Family Entertainer since 1997. We believe this repackaging offers much more value, service and product, presented in an all-in-one user-friendly environment, organized and easy for you to find, use and enjoy!
NEW Funny Smile Makerz Kit + MORE
This all-NEW version of Funny Smile Makerz Kit is better than ever, with added features, NO waiting, NO email hassles.
Easy! Download and use right now, and when you need them!
Fast! Or fast as your internet connection (can’t help you there lol)…
No placing orders for ‘another kit’ or ‘supply,’ hoping to get them in in time!
No more hoping the order arrives as your ordered, risking disappointment!
NO shipping charges! NO sales tax!!
THE most inexpensive way to create Miles of Smiles!
Our Promise: If the Funny Smile Makerz Kit + MORE fee increases — you will pay no additional charges. When new materials are added to this program, you will receive the value at NO additional charge!
Check out our NEW Funny Smile Makerz Kit + MORE (click this link)
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/
"Robbo" with Patch Adams in Russia
Intro: It seems we hospital clowns, caring clowns, healthcare family entertainers, applied humor therapists and smilemakers are in agreement about the fact that we are very fortunate to get to do the kind of ‘work’ we do, that looks like play. We also get to meet and work with the dearest, most awe-inspiring folk as the patients and healthcare staff we chance to meet, and serve with fabulous team members in the trenches!
Sometimes, serendipitous experiences extend outside facility walls, as was the case when “Bubbles” and I had the opp to meet up with “Robbo” right here on AHeart4Clowning.com! She shared her clown heart with us, and we were thrilled to hear of her decision to follow her dream to go on a humanitarian trip with Patch Adams to Russia. I was immeasurably blessed (as several others), to receive “updates” from “Robbo” as she prepared for her trip, throughout her adventure, and back home again. We had discussed the possibility of her sharing a peek into her wonder-full trip, because I knew you would love to hear about her experience. I am so pleased she agreed — “Thank you, Robin!” Enjoy, folks…
“My name is Robin Burg, clown name, “Robbo.” I decided I wanted to be a medical clown last year. I created my clown, took a two-day workshop with Hearts and Noses Hospital Clown Troupe in Needham, Massachusetts, and enrolled for 6 weeks of magic classes at Magic Castle in Hollywood, California. There are no hospital clown troupes in Los Angeles if you don’t belong to the Shiners’ for example. I am taking improv classes to help my clown, which I am enjoying immensely! Not as a clown, I volunteer at UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital once a week. I also have done gigs for Children’s Burn Center, Friendship Circle and the Veterans Administration.
The most fabulous thing I have done was in November 2010. I went on the 26th Annual Two Week Humanitarian Clown Trip to Russia with Dr. Patch Adams! We were 30 clowns from 8 countries. No experience in clowning was required but there were several who clowned on this trip before, several who do medical clowning in their towns.
We clowned in orphanages, hospitals, institutes, a nursing home, a home for retired actors, did private home visits as well as clowned on the streets, at the metro station and in the metro! Russian medical students took a week off to clown with us in both Moscow and St. Petersburg. Our hostess in each of the two cities had us all over for dinner where there was dancing and performing.
On the bus, we were asked to sit with someone we had not yet sat with each time we boarded which bonded each of us to one another. I learned so much from Patch and the other clowns. This was a great way to jumpstart my clowning back in Los Angeles. I am no longer timid about being in my clown on my own in public. For example stopping at the grocery store after a gig gives me a real thrill! I have shown the album of my trip at the VA and to my Rabbi, which led to gigs at the VA and home visits (and later hospital visits) to shut-ins in the congregation.
This marvelous experience has magnified the clown that I am. When I look back at my life I can see that I have been working towards this my whole life. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to clown with Patch and the other clowns. I am emailing with clowns in Russia, Germany, Switzerland, Scotland, Japan, Italy, Canada, and 6 US States!
Books that have been of help are: “The Art and Joy of Hospital Clowning”; “So You Wanna Be a Clown”; “A Heart 4 Clowning”; “Gesundheit!” and “House Calls.”
You can take a look at patchadams.org for information on opportunities with Patch.
Thank you for letting me share.
Hugs, Giggles, Peace and Love,
“Robbo” “
Thanks so much for sharing your fabulous adventure with us Robin, and your fav reads and resources — all appreciated! As I read your story, and remembered our conversations, I am reminded how small our hospital clown community is, in reality. Many outside this nichey-niche don’t realize that a lot of us really do know each other “in real life” as well as ‘in face.’
The Real Patch Adams: Did you ever wonder what Patch is really like...?
Watch the vid right here, click this link to view video!
“The Art and Joy of Hospital Clowning” was written by Jeannie Lindheim, founder of ‘Jeannie Lindheim’s Hospital Clown Troupe,’ now ‘Hearts and Noses Hospital Clown Troupe’ in the Boston area.
In March, I interviewed Cheryl Lekousi, executive director of Hearts and Noses Hospital Clown Troupe on AHeart4Clowning TalkRadio Show. You can read more about the troupe and hear her insights by clicking this link (here)
I interviewed Jeannie Lindheim on AHeart4Clowning TalkRadio Show in April. You can read about Jeannie, hear our interview, and her pearls of wisdom by clicking this link (here)
When “How to Establish a Hospital Clown or Creative Ministry Guide” was first published in 2007, I was totally thrilled to receive a very meaningful phone call from Patch Adams, with kind and encouraging words about my book.
How about you — do you have some memorable caring clown moments? If you have a “Most Memorable Moment” story to share, please do! We’d love to shine the Big Top spotlight on you — to inspire others!
A quick and easy tip to promote your hospital clown group, troupe or ministry and an upcoming training program or special event, is to print simple double-sided business cards:
Don't Leave Home without Them: Hospital Clown Group Biz Cards!
One side contains information about the group, website and contact information; the flipside promotes an upcoming training program, special event or — print it to resemble a “Laugh Ticket,” “Hug Coupon,” or a “Smile Prescription” — just for added fun!
Business cards are a simple means to provide interested folks with a way to find out more about your group, to easily share with someone they know might be interested in joining, or possibly make a contribution to support your group’s activities.
A traditional vehicle to carry essential information and promotional details, business cards are easy to design, and may be printed in limited quantities, when needed.
The reverse side of a business card offers space to include additional group information, upcoming training programs and events. Keep in mind whatever is included on your group’s business card should add value to it, increasing the likelihood that it will be kept for later reference, or passed-along — extending your reach. The flipside of your group’s business card is always available to be redesigned for a new promotion or use.
Business card design programs on home computers can easily help you create the desired look. Cards can be printed from your own computer, or fairly cost-effectively by an office supply store offering printing services.
Pick a design that works best for the information you want to include on the card, making it all fits the space, a small bit of clip art, a logo if you have one, along with copy set in easy-to-read text. Have fun with it! Once designed, be sure to obtain any necessary permission from your group’s hosting facility, before printing.
Your group’s business cards can be printed on colored or white card stock, with black or colored inks, in any quantity. Once printed and ready to distribute, business cards are easily transported in a pocket, carry-along basket or hospital clown cart!
Designed effectively, your group’s business cards should provide great return for the little effort and low cost involved in producing them.
Your Hospital Clown Group Biz Cards: Don’t leave home without them!
>>>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)
’tis always the season for Hospital and Caring Clowns to share their hearts and to give lots of smiles! One of the fun things about making Clown Rounds is having a little leave-behind, or a small token as a reminder of the visit. Of course stickers often come to mind, but there are many things that can be made at low to almost no cost — simple is best. But do keep in mind the facility guidelines, and get any item approved before you begin handing it out.
Here is a nifty-gifty basket I just made up for our next Clown Rounds… I purchased this cardboard ‘handbag’ from a crafts store, in the party section, and filled it with fun small give-away items.
TIP: Make your own gift basket or bag by cutting the bottom off a cereal box to the desired height, cover it with fun contact paper (so you can wipe it clean, for hygiene). Attach your handle with brads or knotted yarn, rope or ribbons, fill it with cool stuff — and away you go!
Great Give-away: Make Miles of Smiles with the Funny Smile Makerz Kit
Injecting Healing Humor, also known more widely as Applied Humor Therapy in the Healthcare Setting, is a Work of Heart. It is a gift freely given, to ease a patient’s pain or sadness, a visitor’s grief, a stress-buster for the staff. It is a recognized need in this highly-regulated and often tentative environ, as well as outside the walls for the rest of the world.
The need is so intrinsic to health, the concept so clown-simple, I can’t help but believe one of the reasons why so many wish to deny this basic human need is because it’s like reminding someone to breath. But reminding someone to breath is much more acceptable, it seems…
There are countless benefits to having a Humor Program in the Healthcare Setting. While every facility is different, as established within their parameters, the results are priceless.
For little to no money invested in such a program, if executed properly, the results and community good will could not be otherwise purchased.
Here is a 5-article series I wrote on this topic:
Benefits of and Reasons for a Healthcare Facility Humor Program:
http://www.aheart4clowning.com/2010/05/06/7-reasonswhy-healthcare-facilities-need-a-humor-program/
Setting up a Healthcare Humor Program, Appropriate to Your Facility:
About AHeart4Clowning MultiMedia and resources I have written and produced, specifically for this venue:
Books and MultiMedia — Establishing, Training, Preparing and Equipping a Hospital Clown or Healthcare Entertainer Group:
MultiMedia Program now Available — Establishing, Training, Preparing and Equipping a Hospital Clown or Healthcare Entertainer Group:
Register to receive the largest FREE Hospital Clown/Healthcare Family Entertainer/Applied Humor Therapist/SmileMaker Newsletter (electronic)
Did you find this information helpful? Sign-up to receive more experienced insights FREEly shared, through our free newsletter, click this link: http://www.aheart4clowning.com/sign-up/
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…
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…