Humor in the ER

Last night I was reminded of 2 things; how laughter at work, in a hospital setting, has diminished over the years and the healing power of laughter.
We all probably know these things subconsciously but rarely talk about it.
Well, in my present position as a Nursing Shift Coordinator the ER is required to inform me of the need for beds for admissions, or overnight observations. The only ones I am required to screen and give permission for are for admits to the Medical ward. So when the ER paged me asking for an assessment for a pediatric screen I was perhaps slightly confused. Upon entering the ER and asking about the patient and who the admitting doctor was I was presented with a small white fluff ball of a dog. It was just a puppy and I like dogs so I did appreciate the slight humor.
It seems the dog was involved in a family car roll over accident. All passengers, including the dog, managed to escape with very minor injuries. But the on call physician, having a fine sense of humor himself, filled out an ER admission form on the dog, including assessment details such as "wet nose" and "tail wagging excitedly", and presented the animal to the xray department along with the proper requisition.

So perhaps it was not protocol but it was a wonderful uplift for the staff, not to mention the state of mental health of the human family members. They were very attached to their little pet, and though slightly battered and bruised, left with a smile and a little laughter in their hearts.

Humor, in just the right dose, can be a wonderful healing medicine...for everyone.