| What You Need to Know about Christian Science Nursing |
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What Is Christian Science Nursing?
Christian Science nursing is a practical, spiritual ministry that actively supports the patient's decision to rely on Christian Science for healing. It is grounded in the Bible-based theology of Christian Science, which includes Christ Jesus' commandment to love one another (see John 15:12). This ministry is carried out with prayer, wisdom, compassion, and skill.
The founder of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy, established the authority and standard for the Christian Science nurse in 1908 in the Manual of The Mother Church (Article VIII, Section 31):
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.
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Basic Ministry
Christian Science nurses provide skilled, practical care that is grounded in the spiritual healing method of Christian Science.
The ministry of the Christian Science nurse has been woven into the fabric of the Christian Science church since 1908 (Church Manual Article VII, Section 31).
The Christian Science nurse’s standard of care rests squarely on the Bible, especially the Ten Commandments and the teachings of Christ Jesus, and on Mary Baker Eddy’s writings.
Christian Science gives an idea of who and what we are as “made in God’s image.” The reason that Christian Science treatment or prayer heals is that it opens human thought to God’s infinite goodness, which includes no sickness, evil, or fear, and to God’s man, who is deserving of all good. Christian Science treatment persists in affirming the presence of God and man made in His image and likeness.
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Christian Science Practitioners
All persons admitted to Beacon Haven must be under the care of a Christian Science practitioner listed in the current issue of The Christian Science Journal.
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Our Care Includes
Spiritual Reassurance
Acknowledging God’s all-presence and absolute power; faithful and consistent affirmation of a patient’s real, spiritual nature.
Personal Care
Assistance with bathing, commoding, oral care, feeding, moving, handling, positioning in a chair or bed; help with the use of wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, and other aids.
Dressing/Bandaging
Proper cleansing and bandaging for cleanliness, protection, and comfort, and teaching the patient or others to meet these needs.
Reading Aloud
Reading from the Bible, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, and other authorized Christian Science literature to support healing and spiritual progress.
Christian Support
Gently offering assistance in support of the patient’s expression of vitality and normal activity.
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Formal Scope of Services
The link below will let you see the Scope of Services document published by The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston Massachusetts.
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Inadmissible and Special Cases
Because of legal restrictions, it is not possible for Beacon Haven to admit some cases. They are as follows:
1. Communicable or infectious cases.
2. Minors under the age of 18
Minors under the age of 18 may be treated as out-patients for up to 24 hours as long as accompanied by at least one parent at all times.
3. Mental illness
Mental illness cases cover a wide range of conditions, some of which are inadmissible due to State regulations. However, many cases such as elderly confused cases are more minor in nature and may be accepted if in accordance with state laws. The Admissions and Utilization Review Committee at Beacon Haven determines the admissibility of all inquiries.
4. Obstetrical cases
Obstetrical cases are inadmissible due to legal restrictions, but expectant mothers could certainly use Beacon Haven for any other need short of delivery.
5. Epilepsy cases
Admission is left to the discretion of the Beacon Haven Admissions and Utilization Review Committee based on the ability to provide proper care.
Note: Beacon Haven should not be considered as a permanent residence
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