title: The Sensitivity Training Clown Workshop: enhancing therapeutic communication skills in nursing students.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to examine the long-term effectiveness of the Sensitivity Training Clown Workshop (STCW) provided to 131 baccalaureate nursing students.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  The STCW was designed and implemented through a collaboration between the artistic director of the Big Apple Circus and nurse faculty to help students understand emotions, learn peripheral awareness skills, and become engaged with patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty participants responded to an 18-month follow-up evaluation survey.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The majority of participants reported applying lessons learned in the workshop in their current practice, regardless of their area of nursing employment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The STCW is an effective method of educating nursing students for pediatric practice. The techniques used in the workshop are applicable to other practice settings.
authors.affiliation: New York University College of Nursing, New York, New York, USA. betty_leef@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Betty L
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Leef
authors.forename: Donna
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Hallas
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D004508:Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D027641:Laughter Therapy / Q000451:nursing*; D009519:New York City; D010371:Pediatric Nursing / Q000193:education*; D018794:Problem-Based Learning / Q000379:methods*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000517:prevention & control