Medical improv as a strategy for creative problem-solving and positive change

Unsafe staffing, bullying and incivility, and burnout and compassion fatigue are examples of three chronic and pervasive problems that nurses face. At their roots, they involve issues associated with emotional intelligence and communication-related skills, also known as "soft" skills. For nurses to be effective and positive change agents in addressing these and other challenging problems, they must be proficient in such skills and competencies. This article examines the importance of soft skills in addressing key professional and practice-related challenges, and discusses strategies for developing these competencies through experiential learning, particularly medical improv. This approach can help nurses strengthen essential communication, collaboration, adaptability, empathy, and leadership skills. The "YES AND" philosophy of medical improv is described and specifically examined through learning associated with emotional intelligence, communication, teamwork, and leading and following. Discussions about nuances and questions that arise in medical improv sessions and implications for practice are included to further demonstrate the relevance and complexity of this modality and its potential to support nurses as positive change agents individually and collectively.