Christian Science Nursing Care

Contents

*       What is a Christian Science Nurse?

*       Do Christian Science Nurses make house calls?

*       How would I find a Christian Science Nurse?

*       How do I find a Christian Science care facility?

*       I would like to become a Christian Science Nurse

 

What is a Christian Science Nurse?

 

Mary Baker Eddy established the role of the Christian Science nurse in 1908 in the Manual of the Mother Church. Therein, a Christian Science nurse is defined as a “member of The Mother Church … who has a demonstrable knowledge of Christian Science practice, who thoroughly understands the practical wisdom necessary in a sick room, and who can take proper care of the sick.”

 

You do not need to be a member of the Mother Church or a branch church to engage a Christian Science nurse. The Christian Science Journal notes: “Anyone who is depending solely on God for healing by applying the principles of Christian Science as explained in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, may engage a nurse.”

 

A Christian Science nurse reflects in her care practical wisdom – an attribute of divine Mind – in assisting with the patient’s comfort, rest, cleanliness, safety, mobility, and nourishment. The nurse’s skilled care does not include any form of medical treatment. They do not provide therapy, give medicine, or perform tests, check-ups, or other procedures associated with the medical profession. The patient is always free to have the nurse withdraw from the case and change the form of treatment from Christian Science care to other means.

 

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Do Christian Science Nurses make house calls?

 

Yes, many provide service at a visitation level where they come to the patient’s residence and assist on a part-time basis.  

        Some Examples of Christian Science Nursing Care in House Calls

  •  Cleansing and dressing wounds
  •  Preparing meals for the patient
  •  Instructing the family in patient care
  •  Reading aloud authorized Christian Science literature
  •  Giving baths, shampoos, manicures, pedicures
  •  Providing rental equipment, e.g., canes, walkers, wheelchairs, etc.
  •  Providing transportation to or from a care facility
  •  Providing general assistance for new mothers
  •  Providing emergency care wherever needed, including home, school, workplace or other locations

 

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How would I find a Christian Science Nurse?

To find CS Nurses listed in The Christian Science Journal click this link.

 

You might also wish to contact a local Christian Science church to see if there is a part-time nurse in the area. Some Christian Science nurses are not listed in the Journal. The most common reason is that they work in another profession as well and work as a part-time nurse. A requirement for Journal listing is that it be a full-time profession.

  

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How do I find a Christian Science care facility?

 

The closest facility to Montana is:

Wide Horizon, Inc.

8900 West 38th Avenue

Wheat Ridge, CO  80033

Bus:  (303) 424-4445

Bus Fax:  (303) 422-6373

E-mail:  admin@widehorizon.org

Web Page:  www.widehorizon.org

 

If you are looking for a Christian Science care facility outside of this area, click here to go to the web site of ORH, (Organization of Residential Homes). This site also covers senior residencies for Christian Scientists that do not involve nursing care.

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I would like to become a Christian Science Nurse

 

Well, bless you! It is a wonderful way to serve mankind and the movement. 

 

Classes and training are available at many Christian Science nursing organizations. A common curriculum is:

Introduction to Nursing 
Basic Nursing I 
Basic Nursing II -- On-The-Job Training
Advanced Nursing I -- On-The-Job Training
Advanced Nursing II -- On-The-Job Training

For more information you should click here to go to the Christian Science Nursing website which is sponsored by the Association of Organizations for Christian Science Nursing (AOCSN)

 

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