I’m so grateful for my education, training, and ongoing experience as a Christian Science nurse. The basis of the education that a Christian Science nurse receives is found in a By-Law on page 49 of the Manual of The Mother Church by Mary Baker Eddy.
First and foremost is required “a demonstrable knowledge of Christian Science practice.” The practice of Christian Science develops one’s ability to listen for and follow God’s direction under all circumstances. It builds spiritual strength, trust, and total conviction in the laws of God. The Christian Science nurse daily consecrates himself or herself to cultivating an ongoing awareness of God’s presence, to spiritual receptivity and preparedness so as to respond to any untoward circumstance with Christly dominion and simplicity. This includes the ability to voice the Truth that frees, out in the field, in a Christian Science nursing facility, or in the home. Both the patient and the Christian Science nurse are always receptively turning to God to bring about healing and harmony.
Since divine Principle, Love, is always at hand to meet our needs, an absolute, unconditional trust in God is the springboard for the rest of the work that the Christian Science nurse does. The two other Manual requirements, “practical wisdom” and “proper care of the sick,” are the natural outflow of this inspiration.
