One of the first and most important requisites for becoming a Christian Science nurse is to have a demonstrable knowledge of Christian Science practice. This is borne out in Article VIII, Section 31, of the Manual of The Mother Church by Mary Baker Eddy, where she writes, "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."

"How," it may be asked, "can the individual who wishes to become a Christian Science nurse gain a demonstrable understanding of this Science?" Naturally the textbooks of Christian Science, the Bible and "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," as well as Mrs. Eddy's writings other than Science and Health, must first be studied. A superficial acquaintance with these books is not enough. They must be studied and pondered from beginning to end with a deep desire to learn more of God, man, and the universe of God's creating.

Any scientific subject has to be thoroughly learned step by step before it can be demonstrated. Christian Science is no exception to the rule. Mrs. Eddy admonishes us (Science and Health, p. 495): "Study thoroughly the letter and imbibe the spirit. Adhere to the divine Principle of Christian Science and follow the behests of God, abiding steadfastly in wisdom, Truth, and Love."

If obedient to these instructions, the student of Christian Science will find herself taking the first and most important steps toward the blessed ministry of Christian Science nursing. How long this preparatory work will take depends entirely upon the thoroughness of her study of the letter, her steadfastness, and her ability to demonstrate the spirit of this Science of Christianity.

In addition to joining The Mother Church, many students find it advantageous to a fuller spiritual growth to join also a branch Church of Christ, Scientist. To take an active part in church work gives one an opportunity to apply and to demonstrate one's understanding of God. It is through constant application of the unfolding knowledge of Christian Science that the student grows in spiritual strength.

It takes both spiritual understanding and spiritual strength to be a Christian Science nurse. Talking, reading, and voicing the truth may be a very easy part of a nurse's work. The test lies in being able to stand firmly, unwaveringly, quietly, lovingly, and joyously in the face of any and every argument of sin, disease, or death. Because a nurse is frequently challenged to take such a stand, it is vitally necessary that she have a demonstrable understanding of Christian Science and a firm foundation in Truth.

There is no limit to the amount of good a nurse can do in this healing ministry, for her light often extends beyond merely caring for her patient. To illustrate: A Christian Science nurse was called on a case in a small town. There were two young daughters in that family who knew little or nothing of Christian Science.

Years later these two daughters unexpectedly met the nurse. The renewed acquaintance was a happy one, for the girls, now grown to womanhood, eagerly related how they had watched the nurse's work and observed her efforts to live the exemplary life of a Christian Scientist. This led them to the study of Christian Science. One step followed another, and not too long after their first introduction to the subject, they became active members of a Church of Christ, Scientist. The nurse was grateful to hear that she had been instrumental in bringing the Christ, Truth, into the lives of others. She understood in a measure what Christ Jesus must have felt when he said (Luke 22: 27), "I am among you as he that serveth."

Inquiry is frequently made by those who are interested in the healing part of Christian Science nursing as to the difference between the metaphysical work of the nurse and the treatment given the patient by the Christian Science practitioner. How does the nurse know that she is not encroaching upon the practitioner's part of the work?

The practitioner and the nurse work together very closely, but their work is definitely distinct and individual. The practitioner alone does specific metaphysical work for the patient. Apart from the practical care that a nurse gives the patient, she has the joyous privilege of keeping her own thought clear of any mental picture that is presented to her. A wise and moderate report to the practitioner as to the false arguments a patient seems to be entertaining is helpful. A nurse, however, never delves into a patient's thought to uncover error. She knows that this not only would be unkind, but also would be interference with the practitioner's work, for even the practitioner lets Truth uncover and destroy error's seeming reality.

In "Rudimental Divine Science" Mrs. Eddy makes a statement which shows very clearly how a nurse or any Christian Scientist conducts himself mentally in the presence of a patient. She writes (p. 9), "The spiritual power of a scientific, right thought, without a direct effort, an audible or even a mental argument, has oftentimes healed inveterate, diseases." Observance of the above quotation would protect anyone from encroachment upon a practitioner's work. The practitioner's work is the "direct effort," but the nurse's work is to keep her own thought free from the belief that any error apparent to the senses is true and to realize the perfection of God and man.

Truth is the healer, and the nurse is supporting the practitioner's work in proportion to her efforts to keep her own thought fixed steadfastly on God's allness and man's perfection. Actually the nurse is being her own practitioner by clearing her own thought and by replacing erroneous suggestions with spiritual ideas. To keep her thought clear, in addition to caring for the physical comforts of her patient, is full-time work. How worthy of her hire is the nurse who does such work! And what could be more rewarding and satisfying than to aid in the healing work of Christian Science nursing?

The Christian Science nurse is carrying on this noble healing work in many parts of the world, and with the spread of Christian Science many more persons are needed in this field of activity. Those who wish a complete and thorough training in the art of Christian Science nursing may apply for the nurses' training at the Christian Science Benevolent Association, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, or at Christian Science Benevolent Association on Pacific Coast, San Francisco, California.

These two Sanatoriums, which are under the auspices of The Mother Church, are unique because of their training facilities for this special type of work. Many young women who wish a satisfying career avail themselves of this opportunity to take the Nurses' Training Course. Also women of maturer years whose families no longer need their continued watchful care find that this course gives them greater opportunity to play a direct part in this healing activity of The Mother Church.

Jesus stated (Matt. 9:37, 38), "The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest."