09-9 VN! AW Article 2

I've had the great privilege of seeing a wide variety of Christian Science nurses' training programs and different training styles since I became a Christian Science nurse. All have been initiated by a great love for Christian Science, and a sincere desire to forward Christian Science nursing.

I first joined Arden Wood's Christian Science nursing staff as a part-time instructor in the Training School. At that time, Arden Wood was one of four training sites recognized by The Mother Church. It meant a lot to me then, as it does now, to be part of an organization with a proven track record of support for Christian Science healing, through both Christian Science nursing and Christian Science nurses' training. I have always been impressed by the sincerity of the instructors: hearts searching for the best manner in which to support those wanting to become Christian Science nurses, while continuing to look for higher and better ways in which to do this.

I soon was given the job of Assistant Director of Christian Science Nursing, so my precious time in the School came to an early halt, as I went on to serve the Father in a different way. But, I never lost contact with the School or the instructors. I was moved by their openness and receptivity, and their earnest search for better teaching methods. One of these new ideas in particular resonated with me, and that was the idea of teaching from the basis of principles. I spoke with several instructors over the years as to how they accomplished this, but it was one area in which my curiosity was never completely satisfied.

Other training questions also came up on a regular basis through the years, such as:

How do you help Christian Science nurses develop nursing practices that exemplify the wholeness of the By-Law?

Is there a way to teach Christian Science nursing consistently by principles?

How do you teach Christian Science nurses to make sound judgments?

Early in 2004, when I served as both the Director of Christian Science Nursing and the Director of Christian Science Nurses' Training, we took a hard look at our training program. We began searching for a program that had foundations; one that would help Christian Science nurses to develop ministries that go deep enough to sustain on-going practices.

We'd heard some very positive things about the Christian Science Nursing Arts (CSNA) training program, which was being used at Chestnut Hill Benevolent Association. I had the great privilege of sitting in for a week of the Basic Christian Science Nursing Arts II class that year, and I have not been the same since. It was like coming home. I came back to Arden Wood with an indelible smile on my face. I couldn't wait to share what I had seen and learned with our Executive Director and our Board. I now knew there were solid answers to each of the questions I'd carried with me for so long, and I was positively thrilled to have finally found a way to teach nursing judgments! I had no doubt about this program's ability to provide individuals seeking to become Christian Science nurses with intelligent, practical, ethical, compassionate and wise practices. The Christian Science Nursing Arts were exactly what we had been looking for.

Within a couple of months, our Trustees made the decision for Arden Wood to begin partnering with Chestnut Hill in the Christian Science Nursing Arts training program.

In 2007, I became Arden Wood's new full-time Director of Christian Science Nurses' Training. We've now taught five CSNA I classes at Arden Wood, and we will be teaching our second CSNA II class next month. Our staff has been growing steadily, and our need for temp Christian Science nurses is now minimal. We currently have sixteen Christian Science nurses in training, eight of whom completed Advanced CSNA III classes during the past year. And, last but not least, we are blessed with a strong mentoring staff to support the growing practices of our CSNA nurses when they return to the nursing floor from classes. We are all growing and developing together, and it has been a wondrous journey!

I am deeply grateful for the excellent examples of Christian Science nursing instructors who have served as a light to my path and the paths of other Christian Science nurses around the world. It is humbling to be involved in this holy work, and I cherish the small part that I have been able to play thus far in the continuing spiritual development of Christian Science nursing.

Jeannie T. Glassell is Director of Christian Science Nurses' Training at Arden Wood in San Francisco, California, USA.