The foundation for Christian Science nursing is securely established in the Bible and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by our Leader, Mary Baker Eddy. The standard for the Christian Science nurse is set forth by Mrs. Eddy in the Church Manual By-law (Article VIII, Sect. 31):

 

“Christian Science Nurse. Sect. 31. 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.”

 

This By-law is a deep spiritual guide to the members of The Mother Church. For individuals preparing to represent themselves as a Christian Science nurse, prayerful consideration and a spiritual understanding of the requirements Mrs. Eddy established in this By-law is essential.

 

The Christian Science Nursing Arts (CSNA) Training Program is offered in support of dedicated members of The Mother Church as they meet the requirements of this Church Manual By-law and demonstrate the expression of the qualities of the nurse that Mrs. Eddy specifies (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, 395:17–20). In the classroom and in mentored instruction, Christian Science nursing arts – including ethics, sound judgment, and practical skills in support of loving care – are taught and practiced on this foundation. The mentored portion of the course follows each classroom segment to support demonstrating the art of Christian Science nursing with a depth and breadth of practice reflective of divine Truth and Love. The CSNA training supports the individual in learning the art of ministering to one’s neighbor and his needs with this Christ Science.

 

The Bible and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy are the textbooks for instruction in Christian Science nursing. These along with the Church Manual and other writings by Mrs. Eddy guide members of The Mother Church in this holy work. The teachings of Christian Science, including the Church Manual By-law “Christian Science Nurse,” and the qualities of the nurse specified by Mrs. Eddy (in Science and Health) are foundational to and embraced by the Christian Science Nursing Arts training. The CSNA Training Program consists of four courses that address the art of Christian Science nursing both in the classroom and with the support of mentoring in this spiritual ministry.

 

*This section is taken from the course description brochure for the Christian Science Nursing Arts curriculum copyrighted by the Christian Science Nursing Arts Trust. © 2023