Many people think of the Christian Science nurse as an alert, cheerful, neat, prompt, and uncomplaining person. But he or she is even more. A Christian Science nurse expresses such God-derived qualities as compassion, purity, affection, wisdom, and spiritual devoutness. The nurse's assurance lies in the understanding that in truth we are all "heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ."Rom. 8: 17. He or she seeks to put God first and to love unselfishly. The nurse's motto could well be "My Father worketh hitherto, and I work."John 5:17.
Such an individual is a metaphysician forwarding the ministry of Christian Science. This is the primary role of nurses, although it is also essential that they care for the physical needs of those in their charge. The hourly challenge is to see the spiritual child of God right where a sick mortal seems to be.
The requirements of the Christian Science nurse are established by Mrs. Eddy in the Manual of The Mother Church: "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,"Man., Art. VIII, Sect. 31.
