Laughter in the Face of Death: The Role of Humour in Nursing

April 25, 2023
Daily Life, Humour, Laughter, Palliative Care, Way of Life

Daily Life, Humour, Laughing, NWH2023, Palliative Care, Palliative Humour, Teaching, Way of Life, Work

As nurses, we often encounter difficult situations that can take a toll on our emotional and physical well-being. One of the most challenging aspects of our job is dealing with death and end-of-life care. It can be heart-wrenching to watch someone we have grown to care for pass away, and it can be equally difficult to console the family members who are grieving. But despite the sadness and heavy emotions that come with death, humor can actually play a vital role in the process. Laughter may seem like an inappropriate response to such a solemn event, but it can actually provide a much-needed release and bring a sense of comfort to those involved.

The Art of the One-Liner – Part 2

March 28, 2023
Humour, Jokes, Laughter, Theoretics

Experience, Humour, Knowledge, Laughing, NWH2023, One Liners, Teaching

Gary Delaney is another comic who can take the one-liner to the darker side. His gags often appear on Funniest Jokes from the Edinburgh Fringe lists; in fact he’s the only comedian to ever have two jokes in the same top ten. My personal favourite is his 2013 gem: “I can give you the cause of anaphylactic shock in a nutshell.”

The Art of the One-Liner – Part 1

November 29, 2022
Humour, Jokes, Laughter, Theoretics

Experience, Humour, Knowledge, Laughing, NWH2022, One Liners, Teaching

Some may dismiss the one-liner as an easy gag, but a good one requires real skill. Luckily, there are comedians out there who have mastered the art. “Take my wife… please.” Only four words, but one of the most famous jokes in American comedy. It was written by Henny Youngman who, in the ’30s was considered the King of the One-Liners.

Humour and Laughter in Palliative Care – Part 3

October 25, 2022
Humour, Laughter, Palliative Care, Theoretics

Daily Life, Knowledge, Laughter Theoretics, NWH2022, Palliative Care, Palliative Humour, Work

Humour and laughter are present in most of human interaction. Interactions inhealth care settings are no exception. Palliative care practitioners know from experiencethat humour and laughter are common in palliative care despite the seriousness of the carecontext. Research establishing the significance of humor in care of the dying is limited This is Part 3 – The Research – Part 2