Hayden-Miles (2002) specifically examined the use of humor in the clinical learning environment in a study of the meaning of humor for undergraduate nursing stu- dents in their relationships with their clinical instructors.
Participants in the study were enrolled in a baccalaureate nursing program and were required to have completed at least 1 year of clinical education. Through audiotaped in- terviews, students were asked to describe an experience when humor was shared with their instructor and their feelings on the interaction. all of the students described humor as a positive experience. all of the students re- peatedly stated that the use of humor by their clinical in- structor fostered their relationships, decreased their fears and anxieties, and enhanced their learning. according to Hayden-Miles (2002):