Humor and Nursing

leslie :-D · Aug 3, 2004

humor definitely makes us better nurses in that it reduces the stressors we deal with qd.

for many, it is a key coping mechanism.

often if we didn't laugh, we'd go insane.

leslie

danu3 · Aug 4, 2004

Greetings all,
In my BSN program we are exploring alternate concepts of client care. I am interested in what, if any, roll humor plays in nursing. My questions are:
-Does having a good sense of humor make you a better nurse?
-How does humor fit into your clinical practice?
I appreciate you taking the time to post.
KY-RN

http://www.nursingnetwork.com/humor.htm

Take a look.

-Dan

Tweety, BSN, RN · Aug 4, 2004

I think having a good sense of humor makes one not only a better nurse but a better human being. I think about the people I'm drawn to and sense of humor is one of those qualities.

Regarding patient care, I believe there are studies that prove that laughter is indeed good medicine, but don't have a source right now, and that humor and laughter boosts immunity and that watching funny movies leads to quicker recovery and less pain. It releases those endorphins and whatnot.

I'm not sure how to incorporate that into my nursing practice. I think the patients own sense of humor and coping mechanisms are important to find out before I go laughing and joking with them, if that makes sense.

nursemike, ASN, RN · Aug 8, 2004

I think having a good sense of humor makes one not only a better nurse but a better human being. I think about the people I'm drawn to and sense of humor is one of those qualities.
Regarding patient care, I believe there are studies that prove that laughter is indeed good medicine, but don't have a source right now, and that humor and laughter boosts immunity and that watching funny movies leads to quicker recovery and less pain. It releases those endorphins and whatnot.
I'm not sure how to incorporate that into my nursing practice. I think the patients own sense of humor and coping mechanisms are important to find out before I go laughing and joking with them, if that makes sense.

Makes excellent sense, to me. Sort of like using first names--you about have to let them take the lead. But even the most serious-minded might benefit from music or some other alternative therapy.

teeituptom, BSN, RN · Jan 21, 2005

I look and listen to the patient

I laugh heartily

and I feel so much better

UM Review RN, ASN, RN · Jan 21, 2005

I often incorporate humor into my practice. Appropriate use of humor and the decision to use humor to help the patient relax in unfamiliar surroundings is definitely a nursing assessment skill. Humor is a very effective coping skill.

I feel that the faster a "care connection" with your patient can be made, gaining the patient's trust, the more effective your care of that patient will be. Humor is just one tool that can be used to achieve this.

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Jan 22, 2005

I'm often told by patients that I have a 'great sense of humor', because I laugh and joke with them, and even tease them when it's appropriate. The way I look at it, you can either laugh in this business, or you can come off the spool........and I much prefer to laugh. There are so many aspects of patient care that can be embarrassing, uncomfortable, or just out-and-out absurd, and laughter can defuse the tension like nothing else. Of course, there are those few patients with whom a light-hearted approach goes over like a lead balloon, but I've met very, very few who have NO sense of humor whatsoever.

This doesn't mean wearing a clown suit and doing silly stunts, although there are times when I'm sure that's just fine.....it's just not me. Instead, I like to help patients discover the funny side of hospitalization.........Heaven knows there's no limit to the amount of comic material to be found in even the most mundane things:

Patient on TPN: "What's that yellow stuff in that IV bag you're putting up?"

Me: "Oh, that's your filet mignon and baked potato.......later on, when I hang the clear bag, that'll be dessert." (Of course, I also explain about the vitamins and minerals :chuckle )

Patient: "You want me to tell you when I do WHAT?" :imbar

Me: "Well, we here in the hospital need to know if your bodily functions are working correctly.....and we get REALLY excited when you pass gas!"

And so on.

Stitchie · Jan 22, 2005

I often incorporate humor into my practice. Appropriate use of humor and the decision to use humor to help the patient relax in unfamiliar surroundings is definitely a nursing assessment skill. Humor is a very effective coping skill.
I feel that the faster a "care connection" with your patient can be made, gaining the patient's trust, the more effective your care of that patient will be. Humor is just one tool that can be used to achieve this.

I feel the same way, and use humor appropriately also in practice, with patients and co-workers (from the cleaning people to the charge nurse to the sr MD on service that night).

I think if you can make your patient (or the coworker who's having a lousy day) smile, laugh or even feel less tense then you will have a connection established that shows you care about their emotional state as well as physical.

And that's what we do!