The In ‘n Outpatient by Kris Harty

“What are you – a comedian?”

Nope, these professionals aren’t – aren’t comedians, that is. They operate on a different spectrum. They sometimes share similarities with comedians, but their humor is often more subtle, more cerebral.

Who are they? They’re humorists.

I happened to come across the well-guarded fact that March is ‘Humorists are Artists Month.’ I couldn’t let it go by without a bit of recognition to the humorists you and I know here through The Journal of Nursing Jocularity and other places. What made me especially giggle? The acronym that was mentioned along with the March moniker: HAMM. Anyone who performs to generate a living laugh track has probably been called a ham at some point, and I salute you. It’s something the rest of us admire and benefit from more than we realize.

My fellow JNJ readers know Karyn Buxman is a humorist. She makes the rest of us realize that, no matter the situation, there is humor to be found in it. You’ve read her writings and giggled. If you’ve been fortunate enough to see her perform, you’ve laughed hysterically and no doubt, uncontrollably.

And no, Karyn doesn’t know I’m writing about her. So shhh, it’s our little secret.

I gotta tell ya, it’s not easy being intentionally funny. Karyn and so many other humorists have admirable ability and perseverance. Theirs is a craft, an art form. Some of us might make others laugh on occasion, more by accident than anything. But intentionally, repeatedly, and consistently? C’mon, who does that? Oh yea, the humorous artists among us.

And aren’t we grateful? I can’t imagine a world without humor, without an expert in the subject leading the way forward for the rest of us. I especially can’t imagine life without them when the world is otherwise gray and bleak, as it especially can be in all things medical. As a patient, I’ve often needed the respite that humor brings. And I can only imagine how necessary it is for the patients’ caregivers, too.

While the rest of us can sometimes bring a needed chuckle to those around us, we’re all the better for having in our midst those who are professional-grade serious about the craft of doing so. They reliably pull us out of our funk. They put a positive spin on situations we find ourselves in, and are especially needed in the difficult situations found in the healthcare arena.

We can and do learn from humorists. They might not always be right there along side us, yet their funnyisms sometimes resonate in our minds and spirits when we most need them.

Here’s to you who professionally cheer us, and cheer us on with the art of humor. Thank you for putting the funny back into the unfunny and helping us persevere when we otherwise couldn’t. Cheers to you!

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The Short Chick with the Walking Stick’s upcoming book celebrates professional caregivers as the StickSpirits they are. For four decades, they’ve helped Kris Harty Stick to It – No Matter What! She provides a patient’s perspective that is educational, inspirational, and insightful. Part memoir, part application, Kris helps student nurses, newer nurses and not-so-newer nurses remember why they joined their amazing profession in the first place. She shares how they positively impact patients’ lives, with minimal time and effort. Little things matter. Kris is the Thought Leader on People Helping People Persevere. She leads the conversation through writing, speaking, coaching, and small group discussions. A 40-year veteran of the medical industry – on the receiving end, Kris Harty is the Stickabilities Specialist at Strong Spirit Unlimited. If you’re looking for an effortless and meaningful way to lead your team toward continued quality caregiving, contact Kris. Call 877.711.STIC(K), email StrongSpirit@StrongSpiritUnlimited.com, or visit  www.StrongSpiritUnlimited.com.