The Basis and Scope of Christian Science Nursing

The Basis of Christian Science Nursing

Christian Science nursing is available for individuals relying on Christian Science for healing. It provides skillful, practical assistance and care to the one in need.

The guidance for a Christian Science nurse can be found in the Manual of The Mother Church, Article VIII; Section 31, which reads,

“Christian Science Nurse.  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. The cards of such persons may be inserted in The Christian Science Journal under rules established by the publishers.“

The Mother Church’s Standards for Care are known as:  The Scope of Services of a Christian Science Nurse

This Scope of Services (updated by The Mother Church, November 2018, as found at christianscience.com) :

•  Is intended to clarify for patients and other interested persons what they may expect when engaging the services of a Christian Science nurse.
• It touches briefly on the main aspects of, and ethical considerations related to, those services.

“Christian Science nursing care includes:

• Accepting a case with the expectancy of complete and quick healing;

• Giving care that is consistent with the theology and ethics of Christian Science;

• Loving reassurance of God’s tender care, ever-presence, and omnipotence; faithfully and consistently acknowledging each individual’s spiritual perfection;

• Christian encouragement of a patient’s appropriate expression of activity and vitality;

• Reading to or with an individual from the Bible, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures and other writings by Mary Baker Eddy, and additional literature published by The Christian Science Publishing Society;

• Communication: maintaining an ethical, moral, and loving manner in all communications with the patient, family, friends, Christian Science practitioner, and others; observing ethical and legal requirements with regard to private information about the patient;

• Surroundings: maintaining an atmosphere that is conducive to spiritual healing and supportive of harmonious care;

• Personal care and bathing: assisting with all necessary care to meet the needs of cleanliness and comfort;

• Mobility: assisting with mobility including assisting with standing, walking, moving, and settling with or without mobility aids or comfort items;

• Nourishment: preparing and modifying food; assisting with feeding; giving appropriate encouragement to eat;

• Cleansing/bandaging: cleansing, covering and bandaging, to provide for cleanliness, protection, support, and comfort;

• Instructing the patient or others in providing care for meeting individual needs;

• Being obedient to the laws of the land.

Christian Science nursing care does not include:

• Making a medical diagnosis or prognosis;

• Assuming responsibility for making healthcare decisions for the patient;

• Administering medication, drugs, or using medicated, herbal, or vitamin-based products and remedies;

• Using and administering medically oriented techniques or technology; including, but not limited to, administering food or liquids with medical equipment, e.g.— intravenous feeding;

• Manipulation, massage, physical therapy

• Assuming responsibility for a patient’s financial or household business transactions;

• Intruding on the private relationship between the patient and the Christian Science practitioner, or between the patient and his or her family;

• Giving personal advice and counsel.”  END

Fundamental to the ministry of a Christian Science nurse is active, prayerful affirmation of everyone’s innate spirituality and responsiveness to God’s harmonious government. This spiritual witnessing undergirds each aspect of the care a Christian Science nurse renders.

Christian Science nurses may work independently in an individual’s home as a Private Duty Christian Science nurse. They also may work as an employee of a Visiting Christian Science Nurse Service or a facility.

Visiting Christian Science Nursing Services and facilities are independently run, and can be found in the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Germany, Switzerland, Australia. A list of these can be found in our Main Menu under “Types of Care Available”.

Confidentiality is a number one priority at Connections, so you can expect and depend on the highest level of privacy on this website. 

We are dedicated to helping mankind find Christian Science nurses to bring a healing atmosphere to the home when a clear sighted, metaphysical, prayerful presence and skilled nursing care is needed.

This site does not list all Journal Listed Christian Science Nurses. For a complete listing, please see a current copy of the Christian Science Journal or visit online.

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