Improv to Improve Healthcare: A System for Creative Problem-Solving: Improv to Improve, #1

Improv to Improve Healthcare:

A System for Creative Problem-Solving

Candy Campbell

PRAISE for Improv to Improve Healthcare

"In Improv to Improve Healthcare: A System for Creative Problem Solving, Dr. Candy Campbell blends her nursing,  doctoral thesis, and improv theater education to share great truths served on a platter of fun! Poor communication affects all aspects of healthcare and patient safety, and leaders are seeking effective, new ways to interact and engage. Anyone who has ever been a patient or has had a loved one hospitalized will appreciate how this unique scientifically-proven method can impact change for the good. Every healthcare leader, patient and family member should read and enjoy this!"

-LeAnn Thieman

Author Chicken Soup for the Nurse's Soul Series

and SelfCare for HealthCare™

In this important new book, Candy Campbell travels seamlessly between her two great areas of expertise, the professional healthcare industry and the art of improvisation, weaving them together in a compelling narrative that starkly exposes a dangerous problem in the world of healthcare while simultaneously providing the solution. Her joyous and lighthearted approach makes it a fast, enjoyable and accessible read for anybody at all, regardless of their familiarity with improvisation, and her love and passion for the healthcare profession transforms her eloquent message into an impassioned call to action. Having brought applied improvisation to a wide array of industries over the course of many years, I have rarely seen it out to a more important purpose than the one described here. As Campbell helps the reader understand, it is literally a matter of life and death. I am deeply honored to be referenced in this book and highly recommend it to all.

-Kenn Adams

Artistic Director, Synergy Theater

Author, How to Improvise a Full-Length Play:

The Art of Spontaneous Theater

"Candy uses her extensive and unique clinical, nursing education, acting and improv background to bring real-world communication scenarios to life for nurses.

Perhaps more importantly, she explains, in depth, how communication is critical to save lives, solve both interpersonal and work-related problems, resolve conflict, and connect with patients, staff, physicians, and others. A light and fun read, Improv to Improve Healthcare contains methods and tools that are easy to learn and quick to implement, which makes it accessible to everyone from student to administrator."

Donna Cardillo, MA, RN, CSP, FAAN

The Inspiration Nurse and Award-Winning Author of Falling Together:

How to Find Balance, Joy, and Meaningful Change

When Your Life Seems to be Falling Apart

In her newest book, Candy Campbell puts a different spin on healthcare communications; she introduces the reader to improv!  Improv in healthcare – this is serious business!  Yes, this is serious business, and yes, it is worthy of a brighter side- a side that links fun, joy, and the journey.  Candy has done just that...by putting joy in the journey and taking the reader through a series of sketches that warm the spirit, tug at the heart, and reinvigorate the caregiver.  This is a must-read

-Sharon M. Weinstein, MS, RN, CRNI-R, FACW, FAAN, CSP

Award-winning author of B is for Balance,

12 Steps and Go for It ... Mastering Negotiations.

"How thinking differently can make a big difference is demonstrated throughout Candy Campbell’s book, Improv to Improve Healthcare. As a nurse entrepreneur and business owner, I have employed many of the techniques illustrated in Candy’s book that have proven results. Educational, innovative, and entertaining, Candy outlines twelve communication principles that will increase interprofessional communication and decrease miscommunication. I am an advocate for improv training for increased effectiveness and enjoyment in multiple healthcare delivery environments."

- Michelle Podlesni, RN, CEO & Founder, Unconventional Nurse®

and President of the National Nurses in Business Association (NNBA)

In just under 100 fast moving pages, Candy Campbell proves to us that the greatest metaphor for work is improv.  Think about it.  You don’t get to choose who you work with or who you serve or what comes at you in the moment.  Yet you are expected to make magic happen anyway.  What does that sound like?  Exactly...improv!  Candy shows us precisely how the core principles of improv (like Risk Being Imperfect and Focus on Your Partner) are exactly the prescription needed to improve healthcare. Believe her.

-Brian Walter, CSP, CPAE

President of Extreme Meetings Inc.

Past President, National Speakers Association

"Candy Campbell is a benign and immensely inspirational force of nature. From her embodiment of Florence Nightingale to her work in medical improv, she is a trailblazer, truth teller, and innovator extraordinaire.

This book leads the reader on a journey powered by the engines of courage and creativity. Through her examples, stories, and exercises, Candy successfully illustrates the power of the yes, and attitude and how it can transform teamwork, communication, relationships, and healthcare delivery itself.

Thank you, Candy, for an important addition to the medical improv canon and the ongoing pursuit of true leadership and teamwork in the 21st century!"

-Keith Carlson, BSN, RN, NC-BC

Nurse career coach, podcaster, writer, and motivational speaker

NurseKeith.com

"Finally, a book that applies the brilliance of improv to the nursing profession. When to comes to communication and leadership development, Candy shows that Improv is the miracle drug! It improves listening skills, stimulates creative thinking, fosters teamwork, and develops leadership in adherents. Truth be told, this book will save lives, as nurses mastering improv skills will solve real-time problems, work dynamically with each other, doctors, staff, patients, and be more present...especially in crisis situations.

Should you buy and read this book?

YES, and... when you hire her to train your staff, you’ll experience the medicinal benefits of Candy! "

-Craig Harrison, founder, Expressions of Excellence! ™,

speaker and author, 

Stellar Service: Merge NOW with WOW to Win Customers for Life!

"Dr. Candy Campbell’s book, Improv to Improve Healthcare, is an important and vital contribution to improving healthcare communication. By using improv techniques such as listening, courage to speak up, mutual respect, and openness to new experiences, she gives directions for better communication at the bedside and at home. I have used these techniques with great effect with my nursing students at the University of San Francisco and in my Birth Happens museum projects.  Should be required reading for healthcare workers."

-Elizabeth Yznaga, DNP, RN, CNM, NP

Creator of ‘Birth Happens, Art + History’

Adjunct Professor

School of Nursing