In Science and Health, Mrs. Eddy says, “Academics of the right sort are requisite.” She goes on to list four qualities essential to learning: “Observation, invention, study, and original thought are expansive and should promote the growth of mortal mind out of itself, out of all that is mortal” (S&H 195).
Observation is critical for a Christian Science nurse. What do we observe: a physical situation requiring a specific set of learned skills, or a situation where the Christian Science nurse is conscious of divine Mind’s wisdom while tending to an individual’s need for comfort, cleanliness, mobility, safety, rest, and nourishment? “Observe mind instead of body,” Mrs. Eddy counsels (SH 419). Invention follows naturally from observation. Observing Mind instead of body, and following Mind’s direction, a Christian Science nurse will recognize new and original ways of doing things to meet particular needs. This is the expression of divine Love and Motherhood, fundamental elements of Christian Science nursing.
Then study. Study is the process of learning a subject by reading, going to school, etc. The Amplified Bible translates the phrase “rightly dividing the word of truth in 2 Tim 2:15 as “correctly analyzing and … [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth.” How important that CS nurses then “Study thoroughly the letter and imbibe the Spirit,” as our Leader urges (SH 495:27-28). Why? Because it is Spirit that quickens us and breathes new life into familiar concepts. Learning the underlying fundamentals of any art or skill expands our thought and helps us to make intelligent and appropriate adaptations to ensure proper care is given.
Original thought is the reflection of Mind; it builds on our prayer and study and gives us fresh insights as we practice. It indicates that we have learned a subject and can share our inspiration and insights with others. These “academics of the right” sort serve “to promote the growth of mortal mind out of itself, out of all that is mortal.” This is the type of assistance we all would like to receive from a Christian Science nurse: someone who will not believe in the reality of the situation but will respond with calm clarity, wise words, and tender, skillful actions to meet the need.
This is the type of thinking and assistance we provide in our training program in order to assist a practicing Christian Scientist to be a fully confident, competent Christian Science nurse: one who is aware of a patient’s environment, who is attuned to meeting spiritual needs, who prayerfully understands how to support another in his demonstration, who provides skillful care with mobility, cleansing and bandaging, who tenderly and fearlessly ministers to the needs of those with mental impositions such as confusion, or aggression, and who clearly understands the Christian Science ethics of each situation, and who acts from the highest standard of right while dealing with all others compassionately.
At a recent conference for Christian Science nursing educators, it was inspiring to hear instructors from around the world speak in similar terms about the gentle yet skillful nurturing of their students and how they pray and listen for progressive ways to impart the spiritual essence of Christian Science nursing while teaching and demonstrating practical skills. No matter where we are in the world, we are all teaching from what lies fundamentally within the Church Manual bylaw, “Christian Science Nurse.”
It has been a fun, full year in our Christian Science Nursing Education program! Seven students came for beginning and advanced classes and returned to their facilities. Two others are working at Fern Lodge right now. We’ve also given refresher courses at Twelveacres and other facilities in the US and Canada. Our education program is meeting the needs of many Christian Science nurses who desire to have a complete education in comfort’s arts. All are prepared to demonstrate Christian Science nursing with a sense of confidence, inspiration, skillfulness, and cheer.
Sharon Strong
Director of Christian Science Nursing Education[:]