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DiversityNursing Blog

Utilizing Humor In The Nursing Field

Posted by Erica Bettencourt

Wed, Mar 15, 2023 @ 12:18 PM

GettyImages-1346880784Using humor in Nursing can be a valuable tool for creating a positive patient experience, improving communication, and reducing stress and anxiety among patients and fellow healthcare providers.

Humor can help break down barriers and build trust between patients and Nurses, making it easier to establish rapport and provide compassionate care. It can also help alleviate fear and anxiety, both of which are common among patients receiving care.

According to a study in the Journal of Advanced Nursingresearchers found that humor "enhances feelings of closeness or togetherness when shared in the context of trust between the patient and Nurse and may be used as a coping mechanism in a stressful situation."

However, it is important to use humor appropriately and respectfully always being sensitive to the patient's needs and cultural background. Humor should never be used at the expense of a patient or in a way that could be perceived as unprofessional or insensitive.

Some ways that Nurses can incorporate humor into their interactions with patients include using lighthearted jokes or anecdotes to help patients feel more relaxed, finding common ground through shared interests or experiences, and using humor to diffuse tense situations or disagreements.

An article from the AMA Journal of Ethics states, "humor and laughter are shown to decrease levels of stress hormones, lower blood pressure, strengthen the immune system, decrease pain, and decrease inflammation. Laughter is an excellent addition to treating almost any condition."

Overall, humor can be a valuable tool in Nursing when used appropriately and in a manner that supports positive patient outcomes.

Nurses often use humor as a coping mechanism to deal with the stress and emotional impacts of their job. Humor can help reduce tension and provide a temporary escape from the demands of the work environment. 

Healthcare workers may use humor to help them deal with difficult patients, challenging coworkers, or stressful situations. Humor can help to create a sense of camaraderie and promote teamwork among staff.

According to the Atlanta-Journal Constitution, Sharon Mawby, MSN, RN, NEA-BC can attest to the power of humor. As the Vice President of Patient Care Services and CNO at Emory Decatur, she knows well how fast-paced and stressful the Nursing work environment can be. "As a result, Nurses, who are often at the very center of care with patients and families, can become overwhelmed and burned out," she says.

"We know that laughter relieves stress, so when Nurses take the time to share stories and laughter with their colleagues they build a sense of community within their teams. After all, Nursing is a team effort. As a CNO, when I round on units and hear laughter between the staff, I know that they are having a good day."

It is important to note, humor should never be used to mock or belittle patients or coworkers, and shouldn't be used as a way to cope with the emotional toll of traumatic events. In these situations, it is essential for Nurses to seek support from colleagues, loved ones or mental health professionals.

Using humor can be helpful for Nurses, as long as it's practiced in a way that doesn't compromise patient care or professional standards.

Topics: humor, nurse humor, humor in nursing

6 Things that All Nurses Want for Christmas

Posted by Erica Bettencourt

Mon, Dec 22, 2014 @ 01:29 PM

6 Things that All Nurses Want for Christmas resized 600

What do all nurses want for this holiday season? We asked the nursing community on Facebook and reddit and we discovered that yes, it’s not necessarily a pair of scrubs. Here are their answers:

  1. Better staffing and better nursing jobs

    Top of the list are these answers that we think go hand-in-hand:

    “A job. Going 2 months strong being unemployed (currently living the dream of being a stay at home wife). When I was working: Adequate staffing.” – mogris, from reddit

    “I second the ‘adequate staffing’. I'm a little worried that my Christmas night will be crushingly busy.” – CrossP, from reddit

    “I'm in the same unemployment boat as you. It is not a fun ride. I just want to be someone's nurse again.” – OkieDokieArtichokee, from reddit

    “Better nurse to patient ratio!” – Lisa B., from Facebook

    “Low census and adequate staffing” – nocturnalnurse, from reddit

    When hospitals and other healthcare facilities don’t want to hire more nurses, then obviously there are fewer nursing jobs created. Meanwhile, the existing staff will have to bear a heavier workload.

  2. The right to die with dignity

    “Legalized euthanasia.” – Vilalintine, from reddit

    After all, death shouldn’t be something to be afraid of. Controversial as this may sound, sometimes it is the better option for the patient.

  3. The company of family and friends, at home or even at work

    All nurses want for Christmas is “to spend it with their families.” – Leslie C., from Facebook

    “To not be pulled to another unit. I'm already away from my home family, don't take me away from my work family too!” – FunkeeBananas, from reddit

    “Word. Worst Christmas ever involved me and another nurse getting pulled to another unit, that nurse crying, my pod mate being a total bitch, and my two being patients sad, sad trainwrecks. Ugh.” – abermanlebt, from reddit

    Who doesn’t want to feel at home this Christmas, even at work?

  4. The ability to not get tired

    “Feet that don't hurt after 12hrs.” –Hottiemcgee, from reddit

  5. A break during their shift or sometimes a break from nursing itself.

    “A break…” – Nancy G., from Facebook

    “Nonnursey gifts. ;) seriously, get me a new game or help with the gaming PC I'm building and I will love you forever. Or blankets. My husband keeps this apartment freezing! Same there's only do many layers and blankets I can cover up in before it impedes my gaming.” – thackworth, from reddit

    “Steam gift cards and a matched pair of GeForce GTX 980s. ...or is that just me?” – auraseer, from reddit

    Everyone does need a break from nursing once in a while—and that break takes different forms. For some of our nurses, it’s a day of playing their favorite video games. So before you go shopping to get some gifts for nurses, you may want to consider this fact. (Hint: if your nurse friends aren’t gamers, a day of pampering is always nice.)

  6. And of course, all nurses want the best for their patient.

    “For the NICU babies to go home with their family.” – kitty-cat-meow, from reddit

    “An empty waiting room.” – A_guy_in_scrubs, from reddit

    No patients means no one’s sick, and hence, no problem!

We’ll end this post with a Christmas carol from rninnj, posted on reddit:

12 filled meds from pharmacy

11 family members leaving

10 toes on a diabetic

9 days off

8 beds ready, no new admissions

7 cups of coffee

6 smiling patients

5 sleeping patients

4 extra staff members

3 patent lines

2 uninterrupted breaks

1 partridge in a pear tree

Wishing all nurses a happy holiday season!

Source: www.nursetogether.com

 

Topics: funny, gifts, humor, nurse humor, Holidays, nurses, Christmas

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