Letter to the Editor
School Nursing at Principia College by Tammy Wampole |
School Christian Science nursing is awesome! Recently, I listened to four young adults talk of their experiences at Principia College--their joys and their challenges. When I watched the graduation procession, there were kids I knew and others I did not. Not everyone deals with a physical or mental challenge that brings them to Cox Cottage, (our nursing facility on campus), while relying on Christian Science to heal them.
Here at the College, these students are progressing from being with Mom and Dad when challenges arise, to being more independent; some learning how to call a practitioner on their own for the first time. For others, this is a time to make Christian Science their own. The Christian Science nurse needs to be silently praying for himself or herself, the situation, and oftentimes, the campus. He or she must be aware to discern the level of receptivity in the student. Some are new to Science and thrilled to be here, a few are jaded by their experiences and need the gentle touch of the Christ more than words. Others have made it their own and seek Christian Science class instruction. As with all Christian Science nursing situations, we have to listen and be led, but in the school setting, there is also the need to step out and help the student be comfortable with us.
We attend programs, have meals in the dining rooms, and attend many of the sports activities to support the students and to interact with them. Our presence outside Cox Cottage makes Christian Science nursing feel more accessible to a student if a need arises.
Christian Science nursing on a campus is different from in a facility where there might be certain routines, and probably more bed care. On campus, we must be prepared for the unexpected. No two days are ever alike. Every moment requires us to be alert and prayerful. Many times we may only make one or two contacts with the student/patient. We need to be alert to ask pertinent questions and assess the situation carefully and clearly. The "facility" for care may be a sports playing field, a dormitory, or Cox Cottage. If the case warrants it, there may be contact with parents, or local health authorities. Because of the concentration of young people, we need to be alert to the laws of the land in regard to reportable diseases and the latest concerns in the news. We have seen wonderful healings occur when the light of Truth was brought to bear on the fear of contagion.
We work independently (unless the back-up Christian Science nurse is called in), and we also work as a team. We pass along all the information to the next team member and work together to cover the facility 24/7 during the school terms. We strive to keep the facility in top condition so each person who walks through the door feels this cottage is maintained just for them. Many parents have commented on how beautiful it is and how much they appreciate knowing that their student will be cared for with the highest regard and standard of Christian Science nursing.
We may not know what situation (or claim) will walk in our door at any given moment, but we know that the child of God is there and that divine Love will meet every need.
Tammy Wampole is a Journal-listed Christian Science Nurse at Principia College in Elsah, Illinois, USA.
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