What about Play? Is Survival Enough?

Making play a priority for healthcare professionals can seem like the last thing we have time for. There are too many fires to put out and too little time. Yet, this way of thinking may be a serious mistake.

Consider this poem about play as you think of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals you know. Anybody stressed? Frustrated? Burned out? Exhausted?

From Leadership Consultant, Author, and Systems’ Thinker,  Margaret Wheatley’s “How Does Raven Know?”:

…a ranger in Yellowstone National Park told me
one early dawn he watched a
big bear slide down an icy hill then
lumber back up to the top to do it again
this ranger told me there was also
a wolf doing this with the bear
I have no reason to disbelieve him

ravens have been seen using a shiny pie plate
or pieces of lumber
to slide down slopes

why do giant whales leap out of the water?
Why do starlings flock in such synchrony?
Why do ravens fly high into thunderstorms to
tumble back down at breakneck speed?

Aren’t they playing?

How foolish we are to think survival is the only explanation…

-Margaret Wheatley

We know that issues with burnout, staffing, toxic cultures, retention, bullying, and more are common challenges. Could they use a little play?

Medical improv is a serious form of play that can improve communication, decrease stress, foster effective teamwork, and improve morale. Especially if it is integrated into regular meetings such as clinical inservices, grand rounds, and/or orientation sessions! A few minutes every now and then may not put out all the fires but could be VERY helpful in coping with and preventing them.

Learn how a little play can be integrated into the healthcare workforce. Without spending a lot of money or time! If this idea speaks to you, please join our mailing list for upcoming programming.