Is our concept of nursing based on popular imagery? We read books and watch television in which medical nurses dress in a particular way and have an accepted role in conventional medical care. But is Christian Science nursing based on a nonmedical version of medical nursing, or does it have a different basis?
Christian Science nursing practice is based wholly on the teachings contained in the Bible and in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures. In this book Mrs. Eddy writes, "The Bible contains the recipe for all healing" (p. 406). The textbook presents the Science of Biblical healing. In both theory and application, Christian Science nursing radically departs from the medical model.
Originally the word nurse was not associated with medical practice. The root meaning of the word is "to nourish," as a mother nourishes her child. This nourishing instinct isn't unique to mothers. It's natural to everyone.
