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
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.
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
-
- 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
How would I find a Christian Science Nurse?
The Christian Science Journal has a list of Christian Science Nurses by country, state, and city near the back of each issue. There is also a separate list for “Nurses able to travel.” These are nurses who are able to accept cases at a considerable distance from their home area.
You can call any Reading Room for assistance in getting information on a Journal listed nurse.
(There is
no requirement that a Christian Science nurse be listed in the Journal, and
many 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 your full-time profession.)
How do I find a Christian Science care facility?
The closest facilities are:
Email: esage@ardenwood.org
Web Site: www.ardenwood.org
Fern Lodge, Inc (510) 886-2448
Email: GeoStrong@aol.com
Olive Glen Foundation, Inc (916) 486-1161
Twelveacres, Inc (408) 341-0400
Email: rmsbrooks12@aol.com
(Twelveacres specializes in care of developmentally challenged adults.)
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.
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. The
closest in this area is Arden Wood in
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,
call or write to:
Jeannie Glassell, Director of Nursing Services and Education
Arden Wood, Inc
445 Wawona Street
San Francisco, CA 94116
Phone: 415-379-2224
e-mail: jglassell@ardenwood.org
You can also visit the web site of AOCSN (Association of Organizations for Christian Science Nursing) for classes in other areas.