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One of the program's first projects was introducing
patients to the hospital's comedy cart, filled with
humorous audio cassettes, cartoon albums, videotapes,
humor books, small games, costumes, props and magic
tricks.
"Our most popular requests are for VCRs with funny
movies," said Leslie Gibson, RN, who was involved
in the planning and implementation of the cart. "They
help patients take their minds off of the fear or pain
they often experience when trapped in a hospital bed."
The Comedy Connection also trains "caring clowns"
who go on clown rounds traveling from room to room,
bringing cheer to both patients and staff.
Caring clowns differ drastically from the clowns that
appear in circuses or parades. Rather than being bold,
bumbling and noisy, caring clowns who work in hospitals
and nursing homes are gentle, soft and empathetic. A
good caring clown should be sensitive, able to read
nonverbal body language and possess good listening skills.
In addition, hospital clowns at Morton Plant Hospital
are required to follow JCAHO training and to take yearly
TB tests and safety courses.
Donna Smilow, RN, of Martinez, Calif., became a caring
clown six years ago. A trauma surgical nurse, Smilow
was seeking balance in her life and an outlet for her
stress.
Working as a trauma and surgical nurse for the past
16 years, Smilow had experienced more death and despair
than most people see in a lifetime. After giving birth
to her first child, Holli, she decided to find a way
to incorporate more fun and flexibility into her life.
A newspaper article about the Concord School of Clownology
in Pleasant Hill, Calif., led Smilow to a career in
clowning.
"Clowning is my medicine," Smilow said. "I
truly believe that it's saved me from stress."
Smilow's clown career has become so successful and
rewarding that she now works only as a per diem nurse.
She has entertained adults and children throughout the
San Francisco Bay Area at schools, hospitals, birthday
parties and other events. Using her stage name, Loveee
the Clown, she brings smiles to the masses through her
unique brand of comedy, juggling and magic.
A staunch believer of humor in hospitals, Smilow often
has used humor to relieve stress among patients about
to undergo surgery.
"Sometimes, just donning a funny clown nose or
joking around with patients can put them at ease,"
Smilow said. "Children especially react well to
humor and seem to better understand what to expect when
you explain the procedure in a friendly and fun manner."
Smilow's clowning has taken her to venues she never
dreamed of visiting. A recent performance at a youth
ranch for abused and neglected children caused her to
shed tears behind her happy clown facade.
"There was a 5-year-old boy who had been severely
abused by his mother," Smilow said. "Helping
him smile and laugh was one of the most rewarding encounters
I've ever experienced."
For more information on humor workshops with Patty
Wooten, visit her Web site at www.jesthealth.com.
Donna Smilow and Loveee the Clown can be contacted
at www.loveeetheclown.com.
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