New Jersey Acute Psychiatric Unit nurse spreads laughter

You have to learn to laugh when you can.

My husband has a hat with this on it.

I have a patch,,,,,,


This nurse is giving the best medicine.

The Best Medicine

N.j. Nurse Helps Patients Laugh — As A Way To Heal The Body And The Soul



Everyone knows her. Patients always ask for her and are disappointed when they hear about her day off. There are many reasons — her kindness and caring, knowledge and skill — but there is something more. Ask most patients, and they will say, "She makes me smile and laugh."

Humor all around


Cathy Parochniack, RN, BSN, MA, CLL, has worked in psychiatric settings for more than 20 years, using humor as a way to help patients. Currently, she is a staff nurse on the Acute Psychiatric Unit at the Veterans' Administration Hospital, Lyons, New Jersey campus.

"It has to be the right kind of humor," says Parochniack. "Gentle and positive humor is more healing, as we look for the absurdities of life and try to point them out. Think Erma Bombeck rather than Don Rickles. Humor changes your perspective on problems, and that can be very helpful."

This kind of therapy doesn't depend on the patient having a sense of humor, adds Parochniack. Even if the individual doesn't understand or focus on the jokes, laughter can help. The very act of simulating laughter produces the benefits of genuine laughter. In her groups, there may be some humor in reminiscing and some opportunity for the members to tell stories from their own experiences. "At the Veterans' Nursing Home group, everyone gets into the spotlight to tell a story that is often amusing," says Parochniack. Some groups also focus on specific exercises that simulate laughter.

Because laughter reduces stress and releases endorphins, many stress-related problems such as hypertension and cardiac problems may be affected, as well as problems like chronic pain.
go here for more
http://www.vawatchdog.org/08/nf08/nfJUL08/nf071508-1.htm