The JNJ Hall of Fame Honors Vera Robinson

The Journal of Nursing Jocularity is proud to announce our first inductee into our Hall of Fame: Vera M. Robinson!

The JNJ Hall of Fame honors those brave souls who have made extensive, meaningful contributions to the world of therapeutic humor. It’s only fitting that we give our first spot (and a big Thumbs Up!) to Vera Robinson, an absolute pioneer in the field.

Vera’s 1977 book, Humor and the Healing Professions, has been a handbook not only for me but for anyone who believes that laugher really is the best medicine; that laughing with our patients helps them and us, and that solid science  supports what the proverb says: A merry heart is truly a healthy heart!

This achievement is all the more remarkable when you realize that Vera was doing her work at a time when therapeutic humor wasn’t nearly as fashionable as it is right now (and that’s not very fashionable, believe me!).  There was deep seated resistance to the idea that humor had a role in the medical world.

She was on her own. The discipline was so new there were no formal organizations.  In fact, Vera played a pivotal role in founding Nurses for Laughter, one of the very first professional associations focused on the value of therapeutic humor.  It’s impossible to overstate how important she was in getting this whole endeavor started.

Throughout the years, Vera has been a personal inspiration.  She’s been giving and generous with her time and knowledge, helping countless professionals become established and expand our body of knowledge. We’re privileged and honored to induct her into our Hall of Fame.