CSNCN Board Member Bonnie Mitchinson recently spoke with Carol Gressman, Director of Christian Science Nurses' Training at Hill Top Center in Lake Bluff, Illinois. Carol shared her thoughts about what spiritual qualities are needed for those interested in Christian Science nursing and a brief outline of what Hill Top's Christian Science Nurses' Training Program includes.
 
Bonnie:  Carol, what spiritual qualities do you feel are essential for those interested in Christian Science nursing?

Carol:  Most of all, dependence on divine guidance. Dedication is also very important. In other words, is it a calling from God or just a career? I believe it's a calling that develops into a very spiritual career or ministry. Through divine guidance a church member develops an interest in Christian Science nursing which is the first step. Continued prayer will lead them to the right Christian Science nurses' training program for them.
 
Here at Hill Top Center our management and educational team feel strongly that Christian Science nurses are modern-day disciples. Each Christian Science nurse has the opportunity to nurture and witness spiritual healing. In fact, we support this so strongly that it is actually part of our mission statement. Other qualities we value in a Christian Science nursing student are a sense of humor, common sense, poise, and patience. Flexibility is very important. Christian Science nurses need to be open-minded to the many types of people, situations, and new experiences involved in Christian Science nursing. It may seem like a small thing but being able to follow through on a task and to take direction gracefully are also important to maintaining harmony in the work situation.
 
A Christian Science nursing student should not let personal sense or ego interfere with his or her spiritual journey during the course of training. Underlying all of this we must remember that it is always dependence on God that is most needed in each situation. This is why metaphysical study is just as important as learning the practical skills.
 
Bonnie:  What do you hope a student will gain from Hill Top's Christian Science nurses' training program?

Carol:  Most of all, a better understanding of the application of Christian Science to the practical aspects of care. This is an opportunity for "hands-on" spiritual growth, witnessing of the Christ, and service to mankind. Hopefully everything a student looks at in life will be seen differently as a result of the metaphysical concepts applied in training. The student's view of mankind will never be the same. I hope they won't stop seeing spiritual man when they leave the building. His or her awareness of the coincidence of the human and the divine should increase. For example, giving a patient a drink of water is a human skill, but in divine experience it is actually giving a "cup of cold water in Christ's name". In other words, even the most menial tasks take on spiritual significance.
 
Hill Top's Christian Science nurses' training program is meant to instill confidence in the students and they should be able to advertise as Christian Science nurses in The Christian Science Journal when they complete it.
 
Here is a brief outline of the Christian Science Nursing Skills Program offered at Hill Top Center. A more detailed description can be found on Hill Top Center's website along with testimonials from students. (www.hilltopcenter.org)
 
Level 1 This course starts with two to three weeks of instruction in the classroom followed by eight weeks working on the Christian Science nursing floor with a mentor. This level is similar to an Introduction to Christian Science nursing class.

Level 2 This begins with a ten-week class followed by six to nine months of working with a mentor. It includes more advanced bed care skills.

Level 3 This course includes ten weeks in the classroom followed by six to nine months working with a mentor. It includes a review of skills and further advancement in basic skills as well as cleansing and bandaging of wounds.

Level 4 This is eight weeks of classroom instruction followed by four to six months of work with a mentor. It includes advanced ethics, home and visiting Christian Science nursing, care of mentally challenged patients, camp and school Christian Science nursing. 
 
We are working closely with The Commission for Accreditation of Christian Science Nursing Facilities/Organizations, Inc. toward accreditation of our training program. We have been in contact with Chestnut Hill Benevolent Association to coordinate ideas and training standards. We are available to work closely with sister facilities in supplying the classroom portion of the program and coordinating the mentoring program for a well thought-out and comprehensive training program that can benefit all.
 
For more information, contact Carol Gressman at: training@hilltopcenter.org