Such is the Christian Science nurse who works with those relying exclusively on Christian Science for healing. Her three years' professional training at an approved School for Christian Science Nurses (one year for former medical nurses), equips her with the techniques for practical physical care of the sick. But her greatest asset—greater than her technical skill—is her understanding of Christian Science practice, nurtured throughout the course.
Mrs. Eddy's expectations for the nurse are given in the Manual of The Mother Church (Art. VIII, Sect. 31): "A member of The Mother Church who represents himself or herself as 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."
The skills of nursing come through classwork and practice, but from the depth of the nurse's own spirituality come the character, discernment, and good judgment that enable her to support and inspire the patient without interfering with the healing work of the Christian Science practitioner.
