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?
Click this link to go to the
helpful page on this topic at the Christian Science Nurse website.
You might
also wish to contact a local Christian Science church to see if there is a
part-time nurse in the area. There is no requirement that a Christian Science nurse be listed
in the Journal, and
some are not. The most common reason is simply 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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