Article March 14, 1931 Issue

The Christian Science Nurse

KATHRINE AAGAARD

In the Manual of The Mother Church, as well as in the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," the author, Mrs. Eddy, has stated the qualifications and duties of a Christian Science nurse. The "member of The Mother Church who represents himself or herself as a Christian Science nurse" must have "a demonstrable knowledge of Christian Science practice," as well as "the practical wisdom necessary in a sick room" (Manual, Art. VIII, Sect. 31). And on page 395 of Science and Health Mrs. Eddy says: "An ill-tempered, complaining, or deceitful person should not be a nurse. The nurse should be cheerful, orderly, punctual, patient, full of faith,—receptive to Truth and Love." No small demands these!

Now, how are these demands being met by the majority of those who have taken the name of Christian Science nurse? It may safely be said that they go to their respective posts of duty with love for their profession and for mankind, calmly adjusting themselves to the different circumstances in which they find themselves. They have prepared themselves through prayer and study, knowing that at the right time they will find themselves at the right place, happy in the assurance that the healing Christ, Truth, goes with them. They do not look for sickness, sorrow, or lack, but for the perpetual proof of God's ever operating law of love.

Obediently leaving the direct treatment of the so-called patient to the practitioner, the nurse goes her quiet ways performing the practical work—not as a mere machine, however, but with a state of thought aloof from fear of any reality in the discordant human experiences which may seem to surround her. Watchful and tender, she cheers the sufferer, always listening for the inner voice to guide her to say and do the right thing. Tact, dictated by spiritual intuition, is of as great importance as the other requirements already mentioned.

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