Article February 14, 1942 Issue

The Joy of Nursing

H. IONE PRICE

What a privilege awaits the nurse who is entrusted with the care of those needing help and encouragement! No service rendered others offers a wider opportunity for the expression of gentleness and joyous giving than does that of nursing. The work of a nurse should express good will and inspire hope and confidence.

Under the marginal heading "Aids in sickness" in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mary Baker Eddy clearly states the qualifications for a Christian Science nurse when she says (p. 395), "The nurse should be cheerful, orderly, punctual, patient, full of faith,—receptive to Truth and Love." The nurse who wholeheartedly turns to God for guidance learns to express these qualities, which are "aids" in the healing work, and is, through this positive reliance upon Principle, prepared to meet the need of the hour.

The more love a nurse expresses in the work, the greater joy is afforded others; and truly joy is found in lessening another's load. A dictionary defines the verb "nurse" in one meaning as "to care or provide for tenderly or sedulously." With the earnest desire to help in this way, the nurse goes forth prepared to comfort those whom it is necessary to serve. Generous giving of loving service, on the part of the nurse, inspires the patient with confidence, and the situation is thus made easier for both.

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