I got my start in hospital clowning two years ago. The hospital ran an article inviting interested people to a meeting. The program was poorly initiated by well intentioned people, but after a year there was some progress toward respectability. I attended two clown workshops in the U S and Canada and had some positive ideas for the unit to improve. Along came a new department head who didn't see a need for clowns and we were terminated. There was much positive support for us but it came down to one person's opinion. I found a small hospital that was happy to have my services so I'm able to do what I enjoy immensely.

I would love to get the old hospital back for the other clowns who are doing very little anymore, since they were crushed by the end of a need for them.Some are doing hit and miss participation at nursing homes and retirement centers; it's not the same. We had no monitary support, nor desired any, so we were a good deal. I have no idea how to attack this issue, since no one in the administration has an open mind.I meet people constantly who were blessed by us as well as positive comments from doctors.

I guess I should just be happy that I have a place that supports and praises me, but I feel for the other clowns.

Would it look bad for clowns to picket the hospital with "unfair to clowns" signs. Just kidding!

[This message was edited by DR Getwell on March 30, 2003 at 02:17 PM.]

Dr. Getwell,
You are not alone...I am presently volunteering at Robert Wood Johnson at Hamilton...the program has been in existance since (9/11)...the first day of class at the hospital...Classes number in the amount of 20 people...however, after three classes, at present we have only two volunteer clowns in residence. We are welcomed by patients and staff...however, support for development of the program is lacking. I am extremely happy we are able to volunteer at the hospital in this capacity, but we need to develop a better program and support for this effort is slight. I so want to creat a Comedy Cart...but we need more clowns to support time and work necessary to get the cart in working order, not to mention money to purchase a cart, video, books, games, and other items to lend to patients. I have been to Patty Wooten's site, jest haven't had the time to contact some of the people she suggested. I'm working on it. I can certainly appreciate your feelings, and agree this is definitely worth the effort to go on trying to make a go of it. Thanks MAC/Nurse Ivy

MaryAnn,

We really have a lot in common!

I commend you two with your determination to make the program work. If your training classes are good, then you have to realize that not everyone is cut out to be a hospital clown. We are driven to do what we do, we enjoy doing it and the thanks we get is from a patient's smile. The only way to find out if you fit is to try it; some are very uncomfortable and quit.I only got competent after attending a clown session in Canada; got makeup help, humor training,ideas for interacting with patients, and with this, confidence. Prior to that, I was very intimidated; even with a partner. Then to get more time in as a volunteer, the hospital allowed me to go solo.

I had humor cart interest by some units in my old hospital, but no way to initate it without support of someone in the hospital. We had no one we could communicate with. Neat way to function wasn't it. Have you tried going to local video stores and seeking donations of humor videos? Or a big electronic store chain for video players? Part of the donation could be press coverage of the clowns accepting them for the hospital. Maybe a local service club like Kiwanas would sponsor the humor program. Just some ideas.

Good luck to your unit!