09-11 VN! Bonnie Castroman Article

I'd like to share with you a little about how The Commission is "Lifting up a Standard" (Isa. 62:10). This standard is one you are very familiar with, because, essentially, the one standard that is being lifted up is the By-law for the Christian Science nurse, (Church Manual by Mary Baker Eddy, Art. VIII, § 31). Describing what The Commission does starts with this By-law. The focus of all of our work is to support Christian Science nursing in the organizational setting - in facilities and Visiting Christian Science Nurse services.

One important area of our work is to help organizations comply with current regulatory requirements and issues - obediently, lawfully and ethically.

The nature of this work brings us constantly in contact with the world's concepts of proper healthcare. When obedience is required - there needs to be careful attention and compliance with city, county, province, state, and federal laws and regulations, in the United States and elsewhere.

Christian Science nursing - by its very nature - is inevitably always at a point of coincidence between the human and the divine. Our work continually places us at this point of coincidence - where we provide practical care for the physical body while prayerfully recognizing man's true spiritual identity.

Right there is where the full expression of the By-law stands ready to "maintain the dignity and defense of our cause", (Church Manual). Because our work includes cheerful obedience to our Leader's directive to be law-abiding, we can confidently reassure dutiful public officials and inspectors, and non-Christian Science family members, that careful, orderly, safe, loving attention is being provided in support of the individual's choice and desire to rely solely on prayer for healing. And many, many times those who see our loving care and high standards are able to leave with a little more respect for the work we are doing and a new view of Christian Science.

The demand to be ready for others to see our standard comes in many ways. Not just cleaning up and painting our buildings - being ready for company, but also expressed in an established organizational structure that adheres to best practices of management, leadership, and governance. Basic things like:

Leadership that inspires, uplifts, and establishes direction, and recognizes and rewards excellence.
Governing Boards with thorough orientation and knowledge about the workings of the organization, of legal and fiduciary responsibilities; a clear understanding of the organization's purpose to its community; providing proper oversight and support to staff. Creating policies that are focused, pertinent to, and supportive of the primary mission of Christian Science nursing.
Inspired, supportive managers, guiding and instructing staff, maintaining standards. Careful awareness and obedience to all applicable, current laws and regulations.
Inspired, knowledgeable, skilled staff that demonstrates proficiency and is kept up to date with current practices and new procedures through periodic, regular training.
Sound hiring practices identifying the right people for the job, careful interviewing and checking references; up to date job descriptions that define clear expectations and duties.
Frequent, open lines of communication, discussion and sharing. Clearly identified goals, guidance, and encouragement.
Clear policies and procedures for prompt resolution of conflict or grievances.

The high standard of the By-law is the foundation of our organizations. Built on that foundation is the structure that unites our efforts in support of this vital work. Each policy and procedure, characterized by obedience, honesty, and excellence - provides strength and support. When our everyday practices are imbued with high standards they provide us with integrity and a strong defense - "line upon line, precept upon precept" (Isa. 28:10). The good works that come from this kind of expression will automatically "lift up the standard" for others to see and to recognize.

That's what The Commission is committed to. Our primary activities include educating and supporting Christian Science nursing organizations by publishing and maintaining standards, and providing an accrediting process to uphold them.

One other area where we support the facility's work is by providing helpful ideas on current issues.

This fall the world is focused on the H1N1 Flu - or "Swine Flu". In addressing this belief of contagion as Christian Scientists, of course we approach it first with thoughtful metaphysics and prayer, and second, with the practical wisdom that governs all our actions whenever we are dealing with the coincidence of the human and divine.

In facilities and visiting Christian Science nurse services there are policies and procedures that guide how we work with a suspected contagious situation. Most facilities have policies regarding admission of known contagious or infectious situations, and in some cases are prohibited to accept them by state laws. However, if a situation comes up in a facility setting and the discernment of the Director of Christian Science Nursing or Christian Science nurses leads them to believe that it might be contagious - there are simple procedures that can be followed in a communal setting.

1. Universal precautions typically include the use of gloves when giving care and handling laundry and washing hands thoroughly afterwards; masks and gowns are typically available, but not required. Other considerations may include that laundry be bagged and washed separately and frequent removal and disposal of trash in closed plastic bags.

2. Consideration for others includes keeping a patient in his or her room/or at home while symptoms are evident, and limiting visitors.

3. Practical wisdom guides facilities to ask staff to stay home if they are not feeling well. Managers should be prepared to find others who could work if necessary.

These simple human footsteps would address issues associated with contagion while providing careful, thorough, proper care. More information is available from state health officials and on-line.

Find out more about The Commission at: www.csncommission.org
Or contact us at commission@attglobal.net.