Ever thought about becoming a Christian Science nurse?
Ever thought about becoming a Christian Science nurse? You may wonder what they do, how to become one, and what the requirements are? Read on as Jennifer Johnson, Executive Director at The Leaves in Richardson, Texas explains more about Christian Science nursing.
Jennifer: Christian Science nurses provide spiritual reassurance and skilled, practical, physical care for those who are relying on Christian Science prayer for healing. Christian Science nurses are established as a bylaw in the Church Manual (Article VIII, Sect. 31) under the Guidance for Members, “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 cards of such persons may be inserted in The Christian Science Journal under rules established by the publishers.”
What’s the most important part of being a Christian Science nurse?
Jennifer: The first and most important part of a Christian Science nurse’s job is to be knowledgeable about demonstrating Christian Science. Each Christian Science nurse is required to take on a case with the expectation of complete and quick healing. Working at a Christian Science nursing facility, I’ve had people who call saying they need to come in and are getting in the car, and then call back halfway to us and say they’re turning around because they were healed and no longer need help. The Christian Science nurse’s spiritual reliance on God, as taught in Christian Science, is very important because they are often the main person aiding the patient in the room. They uphold the expectation of healing right then and there, and this often facilitates the immediate healing. They not only tend to the physical care of the patient but will also read aloud to the patient from the Bible and writings of Mary Baker Eddy and reassure the patient of God’s care and ever-presence.
Do Christian Science nurses help with physical care?
Jennifer: Yes! Christian Science nurses help with showering, dressing, using the restroom, brushing teeth, clipping nails, etc. They help with mobility which includes standing, walking, moving and positioning. They help to support normal nourishment, including making food and assistance with eating. They may help to cleanse and bandage cuts, scrapes, gashes, and open areas, or wrap areas like ankles or wrists that are needing extra support. For a more complete listing of what a Christian Science nurse’s job includes and does not include, see the Christian Science Nurse Scope of Services.
How do I train to become a Christian Science nurse?
Jennifer: You can be trained by attending Christian Science nurses training courses or by learning in the field by a Christian Science nurse who mentors. Training resources can be found online here.
Is there anything I need to know if I need the help of a Christian Science nurse?
Jennifer: Yes. If you’re in need of a Christian Science nurse, ask what level the nurse has most currently taken, so their training can meet the care required.
So, there are different levels of training?
Jennifer: Yes. Each level will build on the previous level and develop those skills to progress. Christian Science nurses are always expected to continue deepening their practice of Christian Science, no matter the level. A very general (and not all-inclusive) overview of help, that may be provided by a Christian Science nurse, according to their training level is below.
Level 1 – Introductory – Training involves learning about serving as a Christian Science nurse and the ethics involved. Level 1 Christian Science nurses are trained to help with reading, studying, and entry level mobility, personal care, and nourishment needs. This level may help with slight mental needs such as gentle reminders if a person seems a little confused. Most patients who have a level 1 Christian Science nurse will generally be walking around (ambulatory).
Level 2 – Basics. Level 2 Christian Science nurses build on their Level 1 training and are further trained to help with intermediate mobility, personal care, and nourishment. Some patients who have a level 2 Christian Science nurse may be ambulatory or spend time in bed and/or have some mental needs.
Level 3 – Advanced – Level 3 Christian Science nurses are trained to help with advanced challenges in mobility and personal care. They are also trained to help with cleansing and bandaging needs, full bed care, and more challenging nourishment cases that may need food blended or modified. This level may have patients with more challenging cases of mental needs.
Level 4 – Supervisory – This level teaches how to provide oversight for other Christian Science nurses. After this level, Christian Science nurses may apply for listing in The Christian Science Journal.
Christian Science nursing is a rewarding and uplifting career. If you have any questions, or would like to learn more, please feel free to contact Jennifer at jjohnson@theleaves.org.
