Hospital Clown Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the healthcare setting, the importance of hospital clowns has never been more pronounced.

As patient care evolves, each transition brings about a growing need for compassionate, creative, and dedicated individuals who can bring joy, laughter, and therapeutic humor to our hospital environment.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a hospital clown?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to comprehend the nature of this unique role,
• A hiring manager trying to outline the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the world of therapeutic clowning,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable hospital clown job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Hospital Clown Duties and Responsibilities

Hospital Clowns, also known as therapeutic clowns, use humor and entertainment to help improve the emotional state and overall well-being of patients, particularly children, in a hospital setting.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Perform comedic acts and routines to entertain patients and their families
• Use humor and play to alleviate the stress and anxiety of hospitalization
• Develop and maintain a positive and cheerful environment in the hospital
• Work closely with medical staff to understand the individual needs and sensitivities of each patient
• Customize performances to suit the age, condition and cultural background of the patient
• Engage in storytelling, magic tricks, puppetry, music, and other forms of entertainment
• Maintain respect for hospital policies, rules and regulations
• Participate in hospital events and programs
• Ensure the use of safe and non-threatening props and costumes
• Keep up-to-date with developments in therapeutic clowning techniques and health care settings

 

Hospital Clown Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are in search of a compassionate and talented Hospital Clown to provide entertainment and emotional support to children in hospital settings.

Hospital Clowns are responsible for creating a fun and joyful environment to aid in the healing process of our patients.

They use humor, magic tricks, storytelling, and other forms of entertainment to make a positive impact on the children’s spirits.

Our ideal candidates are empathetic, nurturing, and possess a great sense of humor.

In the end, a Hospital Clown’s role is to bring laughter and happiness, thereby contributing to a more positive hospital experience for the children and their families.

 

Responsibilities

• Perform comedy routines, magic tricks, and other forms of entertainment for the patients
• Create a joyful and positive atmosphere in the hospital environment
• Communicate with the medical team to understand patients’ needs and situations
• Customize performances to suit different age groups and individual patient needs
• Engage with patients in a sensitive and respectful manner
• Support patients and their families during difficult times
• Follow all hospital policies and regulations, including hygiene standards

 

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a clown, children’s entertainer, or similar role
• Understanding of clowning techniques and comedy routines
• Knowledge of techniques for engaging with children of all ages
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Empathy and understanding, particularly in dealing with children and families in distress
• Ability to work flexible hours, as per hospital requirements
• Completion of a background check

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Opportunities for career development and further training

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Hospital Clown
• Work Environment: Hospital setting with direct interaction with children and their families. The role requires a high level of emotional intelligence and sensitivity.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Hospital Volunteer Coordinator or Child Life Specialist.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $40,000 minimum to $55,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our hospital. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Hospital Clown Do?

Hospital Clowns, also known as Therapeutic Clowns or Medical Clowns, work in healthcare settings to bring joy and entertainment to patients, especially children.

Their primary role is to create a positive and fun environment to help alleviate the stress, anxiety, and discomfort often associated with hospital stays or medical procedures.

Hospital Clowns use a range of skills such as comedy, magic tricks, storytelling, music, and puppetry to engage with patients.

They often work alongside doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers to support therapeutic goals.

They must be sensitive to the emotional needs of patients and adapt their performances to suit a variety of situations, whether comforting a frightened child before surgery or cheering up a patient during a long-term hospital stay.

Hospital Clowns also play a vital role in distracting patients during painful or uncomfortable procedures, making the hospital environment less intimidating.

In addition to working with patients, Hospital Clowns often interact with family members to provide comfort and relief, and may participate in hospital events or community outreach programs to promote the benefits of laughter and play in healing.

 

Hospital Clown Qualifications and Skills

A proficient hospital clown should possess a variety of skills and qualifications to entertain patients and help create a positive atmosphere, such as:

• Exceptional interpersonal skills to build rapport with patients of all ages, particularly children, and adapt to their varying moods and needs.
• Excellent performance skills to effectively use techniques such as mime, puppetry, magic, storytelling, and music to entertain and engage patients.
• Strong communication skills to interact effectively with patients, their families, and healthcare staff, understand their needs and feedback, and adjust performances accordingly.
• Empathy and sensitivity to understand the emotional states of patients and their families, and to provide appropriate entertainment that can alleviate their stress and anxiety.
• Physical stamina and agility to perform various acts, tricks, and routines, and to maintain a high energy level during performances.
• Creativity and improvisation skills to devise new routines, adapt performances to various situations, and quickly respond to unexpected occurrences.
• Basic knowledge of healthcare settings and patient conditions to ensure that performances are safe and appropriate for the hospital environment.
• Patience and resilience to manage potential rejections or negative reactions from patients, and to work in a sometimes challenging and emotionally charged environment.

 

Hospital Clown Experience Requirements

Entry-level Hospital Clowns often have some form of theatrical or performing arts training.

They may have experience in children’s theatre, comedy troupes, or circus arts, which provides them with the necessary skills to entertain and engage patients.

In addition to this, many hospital clowns gain experience through volunteering in hospitals, nursing homes, or other healthcare facilities.

They often start with small performances and gradually take on more complex tasks, such as entertaining in intensive care units or during difficult procedures.

Candidates with more than 2 years of experience usually have a solid understanding of hospital settings, including the ability to adapt performances to a variety of patient conditions and needs.

They also typically have training in therapeutic clowning or similar fields, which helps them use humor as a tool for healing.

Those with more than 5 years of experience often have leadership roles in their backgrounds, such as managing a team of hospital clowns or coordinating hospital entertainment programs.

They may also have experience working with a wide range of patient groups, from children to the elderly, and are equipped with a diverse set of skills to handle various situations.

 

Hospital Clown Education and Training Requirements

Hospital Clowns, also known as Therapeutic Clowns, generally have a background in performing arts, comedy, or entertainment.

It’s beneficial for them to have completed a program in clowning, acting, or comedy from a recognized performing arts school.

Specialized programs or workshops focusing on the art of therapeutic clowning, which combines the skills of traditional clowning with knowledge of healthcare, psychology, and patient interaction, are also extremely beneficial.

They must have strong communication skills, creativity, a comprehensive understanding of humor and its therapeutic effects, and an ability to work with various populations, including children and the elderly.

Although not required by all hospitals, some might prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field like psychology, nursing, social work or child life specialist.

In addition, a certificate in Hospital Clowning, which may include practical training in a healthcare setting, can be very beneficial.

Some hospital clowns might also opt for specialized training in areas such as magic, puppetry, storytelling, or music to enhance their performances.

Volunteer experience in hospitals or other healthcare settings can also be valuable for gaining practical experience and understanding the needs of patients.

Finally, hospital clowns need to be aware of and comply with all health and safety regulations within a hospital setting.

 

Hospital Clown Salary Expectations

The average wage for a Hospital Clown is approximately $51,000 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings may vary based on experience, specific skills, location, and the size and type of the healthcare facility.

 

Hospital Clown Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Hospital Clown need?

Hospital Clowns need to have a high level of physical stamina for their performances, and excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with patients, their families, and medical staff.

They also need to be creative, able to improvise, and skilled in various forms of comedy and entertainment.

Additionally, they should be empathetic and understanding of the various emotional states patients may be in.

 

Do Hospital Clowns need a degree?

There isn’t a specific degree required to be a Hospital Clown, although a background in performing arts or comedy can be beneficial.

A degree in therapeutic recreation or psychology may also be beneficial.

Many Hospital Clowns have undergone specialized training programs to learn the skills necessary for their work, including how to interact with patients of various ages and health conditions.

 

What should you look for in a Hospital Clown’s resume?

A Hospital Clown’s resume should demonstrate their experience in entertainment, specifically in a hospital or healthcare setting.

They should have completed training programs related to therapeutic clowning or healthcare clowning.

It’s essential to look for qualities like empathy, patience, creativity, and the ability to work with a diverse range of people.

 

What qualities make a good Hospital Clown?

A good Hospital Clown is sensitive to the feelings and needs of patients, and is able to adjust their performances accordingly.

They should be empathetic, patient, and have a positive outlook.

Creativity and improvisation skills are also important, as they need to be able to entertain a wide range of audiences.

A good Hospital Clown should also have the ability to work well with medical staff and be respectful of hospital rules and protocols.

 

Is it challenging to hire Hospital Clowns?

Hiring Hospital Clowns can be challenging because it requires a unique combination of skills, including comedic talent, the ability to work with a diverse range of people, and understanding the specific needs of patients in a healthcare setting.

This role involves working with vulnerable individuals, so it’s crucial to find someone who is empathetic, patient, and sensitive.

A comprehensive background check is also essential for this role.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve unmasked the true essence of being a hospital clown.

You know what’s surprising?

It’s not just about making people laugh.

It’s about healing hearts, one smile at a time.

Armed with our handy hospital clown job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to jump into the job market.

But why stop at ready?

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your key to creating meticulous job listings or perfecting your resume.

Remember:

Every smile you inspire contributes to a happier, healthier world.

Let’s create that world. Together.

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