The Christian Science Nurse

The Christian Science Nurse

The teachings of Christian Science are based on the Holy Bible, particularly the words and works of Christ Jesus, and include a system of metaphysical healing based on his example. The book Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, contains a complete explanation of Christian Science "as divine Science applied to humanity." A genuine Christian Science nurse does his or her best to practice and uphold these teachings in daily life and in the care of the so-called sick.

For further information, visit the official Web site of The First Church of Christ, Scientist at www.churchofchristscientist.org

For information on Christian Science healing in the context of contemporary spirituality, visit www.spirituality.com.

“A Christian Science nurse shall be one 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” (Church Manual, p. 49). Mary Baker Eddy states that “the nurse should be cheerful, orderly, punctual, patient, full of faith,--receptive to Truth and Love” (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 395).

Those who rely on prayer and Christian Science treatment for healing may sometimes need physical care, and it is most helpful to them for the nurse to thoroughly understand their approach and share their practice of turning to God for healing. Individuals who have had training and experience in caring for the sick, and meet these standards often list their names as qualified Christian Science nurses in a monthly publication, The Christian Science Journal.

A Christian Science nurse can provide the physical care needed to maintain the dignity, comfort, and normalcy of a patient, while the patient dedicates himself to the spiritual growth and study that leads to healing. The nurse both supports the patient's reliance on spiritual means for healing and helps to maintain an atmosphere that is free from fear and discord and conducive to faith in God.

Christian Science nursing care includes:

	Expectancy of complete and immediate healing
	Spiritual reassurance: acknowledging God's all-presence and absolute power; faithfully and consistently affirming the patient's spirituality
	Encouragement: gently offering Christian assistance to support the individual's expression of vitality and normal activity
	Reading aloud: reading from the Bible, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures and other writings by Mary Baker Eddy; also, additional literature published by The Christian Science Publishing Society
	Communication: contacting the Christian Science practitioner on the case or family members if patient is unable to do so; maintaining an ethical, moral, and loving manner in all communications with the patient, family, friends, practitioner, and others
	Personal care: assistance with bathing, using the commode, oral care
	Mobility assistance: lifting, turning; positioning in a chair or bed; help with the use of wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, canes or other aids
	Nourishment: preparation and/or modification of food; assistance with feeding; also gentle encouragement to eat when appropriate
	Dressing/bandaging: proper cleansing and bandaging of wounds to provide for comfort and protection
	Instruction: instructing the patient and/or other care givers in providing proper care for meeting individual needs
	Being obedient to the laws of the land

Christian Science nursing care does not include:

	Intruding on the private relationship between the patient and the Christian Science practitioner, or between the patient and his or her family
	Giving the patient Christian Science treatment through prayer (except in emergencies)
	Giving personal advice and counsel; assuming responsibility for making health care decisions for the patient
	Diagnosing; recording and maintaining a record of symptoms or conditions
	Summoning medical care except at the request of the patient;
	Administering medication, drugs or using medicated herbal, vitamin-based products and remedies
	Using and administering medically-oriented techniques, equipment and technology
	Manipulation, massages, physical therapy

For AOCSN and Christian Science nursing questions, send e-mail to D. Brian Boettiger; for technical questions e-mail Mark Mohlenbrock. This web page was last modified on December 2, 2007.