Since last year, we have had people from CliniClowns (*1) come to give us special lectures on pediatric nursing support theory.
The purpose of the special lecture is to give students the skills they need to help them interact with children.I used to be the same, but many students have not had the opportunity to interact with children.Children who are hospitalized are in a bad mood because of living in an unfamiliar environment of a hospital and the pain caused by the symptoms of illness, and they often burst into tears just by seeing a nursing student. I hit a wall at the stage of communication with children before I put it into practice.
Well, what about the special lecture?This year, we held lectures and workshops in the gymnasium to avoid crowds while taking sufficient infection prevention measures.
In the first half, a lecture was given on the actual activities of CliniClowns and CliniClowns.My encounter with CliniClown was an opportunity for regular ward visits in the clinical setting.However, in the clinical setting, there was no opportunity to talk directly with the clowns, so suddenly they came to the ward and entertained the children (some of them were surprised and cried), and they were like a storm. It was such an existence that passed away.
By listening to the lectures, I myself learned that the activities of CliniClowns are aimed not only at children, but also at having an impact on the families and hospital staff who create the environment for children.
Regarding communication with children, which was the purpose of the special lecture, he taught us the importance of non-verbal communication, children's time, and children being the center.In addition, it was an opportunity to reflect on how children are able to express their feelings when they cry or yell at them, and how they perceive that there is no good or bad in children's feelings.
The second half is communication work.
Through various works, students learned about the difference between transmission and communication, the various feelings that accompany communication, their role in the group, the importance of relaxing the body and sharing common experiences together. I was able to experience about
On the other hand, he also told me not to stare at the child so much that I tried to observe the child closely (laughs).
I would like to share some impressions of the students.
First of all, as I also tell in class, it seems that I learned the feelings of children who are hospitalized.
"I learned that children in the hospital care about adults," "Children often look at the expressions of adults and nurses," and "I learned that they endure a lot and feel lonely." It hurt my heart.”
Next, I was able to learn about the activities of CliniClowns.
"I learned that CliniClown is an activity that makes hospitalized children smile."
It seems that they also learned a lot about how to interact with children, which was the purpose of the special lecture.
"I thought a smile was important", "I want to interact with a smile", "I want to cherish the first impression", "I want to be able to wait for the child to open the door to my heart", and "I want my child to open up." "I want to observe the moment they give me." "It's important to enjoy myself." "I want to be open and take an interest in others." And if you change your facial expression, you can convey various things to the other person."
The following were unexpected side effects of the special lecture.First, it seems that the work provided an opportunity for the students to get to know each other.
“It gave me an opportunity to talk with classmates I didn’t usually interact with.” I made some new discoveries."
In addition, it seems that this class was a change of pace while the students were under various restrictions due to the corona wreck.
“It was fun,” “I was able to release my stress,” “I was able to move my body and take classes in a large space.
Special lectures are, of course, for the students to learn, but are the instructors enjoying the lessons?Can negative reactions from students be perceived as "good" or "bad"?It is also an opportunity to reflect on myself as a teacher.
*1: What is CliniCrown?
Clinic + Clown = CliniClowns, clowns who visit hospitals.Those who have been trained and passed the exam to become CliniClowns.
