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.

There is in the unenlightened human mind a tendency to resist everything in the nature of divine truth. As in Jesus' day the cry came to him from among the tombs, "What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?" so will a nurse in her legitimate work often hear a similar cry. Should the mental opposition to Truth and Love seem to rise like turbulent billows, there is the opportunity for the nurse to prove the strength of spiritual understanding. Steadfastly, calmly, and patiently she will prove by impersonalizing error not only that the storm can be stilled, but that it is unreal and powerless. "In Science, divine Love alone governs man." This is one of the precepts of our Church Manual (Art. VIII, Sect. 1). And as this postulate is adhered to, victory is certain.

Does the particular work of a nurse at times seem difficult and complicated as far as her connection with it is concerned? What should she do but what every earnest student of Christian Science would do under similar circumstances, namely, look into her own heart, into her own state of thought, to uncover the obstruction? When that is removed, how readily the situation is healed! With what freedom from friction and unpleasantness the condition is met which might otherwise cause considerable human misunderstanding and discord!

The Christian Science nurse does not lose sight of the important point that wherever she is stationed she is there to serve God, divine Mind, not so-called mortal mind, which is constantly striving to have its own self-interest served by domination, flattery, or some other similar means. On the other hand, is there a nurse who cannot tell of the kindness and gratitude with which her honest effort is met as a rule? Are there not many proofs given of the tenderest consideration for the nurse right in the midst of conditions which so often seem difficult and trying to both patient and household? Does not a song of gratitude gladden the heart when such unselfish love is shown the nurse from the people whom she has come to help and comfort? Where thankfulness for the work of the nurse is expressed, there it may be taken for granted that the higher sense of gratitude to God and to Christian Science is dominant. And where such spontaneous gratitude is present, there is the open door through which to receive the spiritual healing.

It is only right and natural that both the practitioner and the family which the nurse is endeavoring to help should see that the nurse is allowed the necessary rest and recreation. Where practical reasons do not render this impossible, it is often found of great advantage if the nurse can go to her home or to a comfortable room, there to take her rest and receive spiritual renewal. To find herself in different surroundings, if only for a few hours, will often help the nurse to return with new inspiration and refreshed thoughts, while the happiness of returning to her God-given post of duty will bring added sunshine into the work.

A nurse's task is one that brings a constant inner growth, a constant flow of rich proofs of God's healing power, which our revered Leader has made clear and provable for all the world through the revelation of Christian Science.

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Uninterrupted Harmony

March 14, 1931

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