If you’ve switched on a TV, a radio, or the Internet in the past few weeks, you’ve probably heard of “American Idol.” Now in its sixth season, the ultra-popular show displays the talented (and not so talented) who want to become musical stars in America. So, what does it have to do with nursing? What do singing and syringes have in common? Probably more than you think. In New Lebanon, NY, there’s a group of singing and acting nurses who perform at hospitals and conventions across the country. They go by the name “Too Live Nurse.”
“We perform to have a good time,” says Amy Fiebke, RN, president of Too Live Nurse. “People who are humorless struggle more in their jobs. I’m not laughing all the time when I’m working, but when I can, I do.”
The group combines singing and acting to provide healthcare professionals with a break from the pressures and stresses of everyday life in a hospital.
“We provide a little respite,” says Ted Fiebke, RN, BM, BSN, co-owner of the group and Amy’s husband. “I would like to think that Too Live Nurse is the implementation of therapeutic humor.”
The idea for Too Live Nurse came from Bob Diskin, an actor turned nurse, back in 1992. Diskin started writing songs to memorize nursing topics, Amy says, and the idea was quickly born. Diskin recorded an album (there are now a total of three, including Rocking to the Algo-Rhythms III) and soon joined forces with theater performers Amy and Ted in the spotlight. Since the early ’90s, the group has dressed up, donned make up, worn tights (yes, the men, too), and sang at the top of their lungs for nurses, doctors, and everyone in between.
Being nurses themselves (Ted and Amy both work at Fairview Hospital in Great Barrington, MA) helps with the material.
“We experience the stress first-hand,” Ted says.
Along with fellow performers Ed Martin (an RN at the Stratton Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Albany, NY) and Richard Lapo (who once dated a nurse, the group jokes), Too Live Nurse is able to keep the performances aimed at nurses. And, they can tailor it to the needs of the individual conference or hospital. Their next performance will be at the Emergency Nurses Association conference in Boston on February 24.
Here’s a taste of some of the group’s creative music:
“Scabies” by Too Live Nurse, set to “Amie” by Pure Prairie League
I can see why you would get annoyed by me
I burrow through your skin and bring along my friends and make a nest
It may take a few weeks before we show
You get itchy red bumps and then you know
Scabies, what you gonna do?
We think we could live on you for a while maybe longer til you quell
Don’t you think the time is right for us to bite
All the ones we contact each and every night, oh can’t you see
Was it just a mosquito or a flea?
Your doctor will tell you it is me
Scabies, what you gonna do?
We think we could live on you for a while maybe longer til you quell
Scabies, what you gonna do?
We think we could live on you for a while maybe longer til you quell
For more information on Too Live Nurse, visit the group’s Web site at www.toolivenurse.com
December 22nd, 2010 at 3:25 pm
I am impressed, I must say. Very seldom do I come across a blog thats both educational and entertaining, and let me tell you, you have hit the nail on the head. Your blog is important; the matter is something that not many people are speaking intelligently about. I am very happy that I stumbled across this in my search for something relating to this.
December 23rd, 2010 at 12:27 pm
What an astonishing blog post man. Good share. But I’m having problem with ur RSS feed. Don’t know why Unable to subscribe. So anybody facing identical rss feed trouble? Anybody who knows kindly respond. Thanks in advance
December 23rd, 2010 at 11:54 pm
I would like to thanks for the efforts you have made in writing this article. I am hoping the same top-quality blogpost from you in the upcoming as well. In fact your creative writing skill has inspired me to get my own blog now. Really the blogging is spreading its wings quickly. Your write up is a good model of it.
December 24th, 2010 at 12:27 pm
Amazing! It is like you understand my mind! You seem to know so much about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you can do with some pictures to drive the content home a bit, besides that, this is good blog post. A outstanding read. I’ll definitely revisit again.
December 25th, 2010 at 2:14 am
Thanks so much for this! I havent been this thrilled by a blog for quite some time! You have got it, whatever that means in blogging. Anyway, Youre definitely somebody that has something to say that people need to hear. Keep up the great work. Keep on inspiring the people!
December 25th, 2010 at 1:05 pm
I’m impressed, I must say. Really seldom do I discovered a blog that is both educational and entertaining, and let me tell you, you’ve hit the nail on the head. Your idea is outstanding; the matter is something that not many people are talking intelligently about. I’m very happy that I stumbled across this in my search for something relating to this.
January 4th, 2011 at 1:48 pm
Hi, i think that i saw you visited my blog so i came to “return the favour”.I am looking for ways to add things to my blog!I suppose its ok to use some of your ideas!!
January 5th, 2011 at 4:00 am
You’re not the average blog writer, man. You certainly have something powerful to contribute to the World Wide Web. Such a special blog. I will be back for more. Wishing you Happy New Year!
January 5th, 2011 at 11:09 am
I already bookmarked your website and will revisit your website again, please keep up your good job. Thanks!
January 5th, 2011 at 11:37 am
Hey, great blog you have here, think I came across it on Yahoo but im not sure nowanyway, Ill check back again! Are guests allowed to post here?
January 6th, 2011 at 3:16 am
I typically dont write comments on posts, but your write-up urged me to commend your writings. Thanks for writing this, I am going to certainly common your web site and come back once in awhile. Happy blogging.
January 6th, 2011 at 5:28 am
This is very interesting. I actually enjoy your writing style and your word choice more than anything Smile
January 7th, 2011 at 4:26 am
Acai berry also helps in keeping you young. It acts as anti aging thing also. I read it somewhere and thought to add it in your post.
January 7th, 2011 at 6:04 am
If you want to rent games from GameFly, all you have to do is to visit the website and order all the games that you want. The information and reviews about the exercises are available, allowing you to choose the games that fit your taste. Once you have finished ordering the game, you can simply sit back and wait. GameFly will send your ordered games within 2-4 days depending on your location.
January 7th, 2011 at 3:25 pm
I very lucky to find this web site on bing, just what I was looking for : D as well saved to bookmarks .
January 8th, 2011 at 4:20 am
I smoked tobacco cigarettes for more than 30 years–at least a pack a day. I haven’t smoked a tobacco cigarette since a week after purchasing an electronic cigarette almost three months ago. I not only have no desire for tobacco cigarettes; I’m repulsed by them. I am astonished. I also breathe easier, feel better, and no longer reek of smoke.
January 9th, 2011 at 10:48 pm
I just got out of the bed and i’m already reading your articles. this means something! Very useful for constructing my websiteThanks!
January 10th, 2011 at 8:48 am
Can it really work like that! Coz sometimes i really get irritated with those unknown calls!