Humour as a nursing intervention.

Extensive study of the brain has resulted in the development of interventions to augment and preserve function. However, there exists a phenomenon that affects the vital brain centres including speech and memory the control of vital functions, and the immune system. What has this power? Humour. Recognized as hazardous to illness, humour leads to laughing, smiling and good feelings. Humour has been described as a basic need, a coping mechanism, and a form of communication, all integral in the care of patients and families. The use of humour gives one the permission to laugh, and to relax. While the value of humour is unique to each person and culture, its deliberate use is an effective nursing intervention to decrease tension and anxiety. This paper will examine the use of humour as a nursing intervention in the care of neuroscience patients. It will look at using humour as an adjunct to pain control and an augment to the efficacy of treatment. Nurses will learn what constitutes therapeutic humour, and the pathways to humour. Participants will come away with a repertoire of strategies to incorporate humour in neurosciences nursing care infusing it with joy.