Q: Can Christian Science nurses do other types of work in addition to Christian Science nursing when they are listed in the Journal directory? I know Christian Science practitioners are required to have no other profession according to the Church Manual, but I don’t find that requirement in the Manual about Christian Science nurses.
A: While there is no specific requirement preventing them from having additional work, there is a directive in the Manual that reads in part: “Church Organizations Ample. … God requires our whole heart, and He supplies within the wide channels of The Mother Church dutiful and sufficient occupation for all its members” (Mary Baker Eddy, pp. 44–45).
Many times Christian Science nurses do just that. They serve as Readers in their branch church, or as librarian in their branch church’s Reading Room, work part time as a practitioner, or serve their branch church as clerk. Often these roles are paid positions. At the same time they are alert to respond readily to any call for Christian Science nursing.
