Returning to Australia after being in the United States since 1980 has been a big change for me. But I am so grateful for all the practical nursing skills and experience I gained during that time. A lot of that knowledge was taught to me
by dedicated Christian Science nurses reading this newsletter. A heartfelt thanks to you all.
Most recently, I was serving full-time as the Director of Christian Science Nursing at Peace Haven, a Christian Science nursing facility near St. Louis, Missouri before I returned to Australia. When I first arrived here I was working only one day a week for a few hours. My demonstrable knowledge of Christian Science became more important to me and I have found more opportunities to pray for family and friends. My prayer was to be willing to do whatever God wanted me to do, even if that meant giving up Christian Science nursing, although we all know we never really stop nursing. Instead, I have found more opportunities to support church and now serve on the Board of my church, as well as a Sunday School teacher and usher. My Christian Science nursing practice has increased and church work complements this healing work. My church friends know that if I am called out to help someone, a substitute will be found to meet the church need.
Here in Australia we don't have Christian Science nursing facilities, so the care is usually given at home. Home care is also encouraged by the medical field in Australia, which makes finding supplies and equipment for Christian Science patients easier. In fact, one dressing material that was difficult to find in America, and which had fallen in quality as well, I found easy to obtain and of the highest quality here.
My experience has been that Australians like to be independent, sometimes to the point of not knowing when a Christian Science nurse would be a healing support. But once they understand the work we do and how it helps in healing, one is showered with gratitude.
Educating the field in Australia about what a Christian Science nurse does is still needed. I found many church members were not aware that the Christian Science nurse cuts toe nails [depends on the laws in your state or country]; they were going to a podiatrist for such help. Now they love having the Christian Science nurse care for this need.
I work independently as a Christian Science nurse, but there are organizations in most states that support the work of Christian Science nurses and subsidize the care given when needed. When going out on a case, I never need to consider whether the patient can afford the care. The Western Australian Christian Science Nursing Support Service, Inc. picks up whatever the financial need is for the patient and there are no forms needed.
Recently, I was so grateful for the simple yet very helpful lifting sheet. While caring for an individual in a queen-sized bed, I found the lifting sheet made it much easier on me and the patient when turning was necessary. More grace was expressed by the use of this simple aide.
I have also had the privilege of helping my fellow Christian Science nurses in the Eastern States of Australia while a Christian Science nurse was on vacation.
Over all, it has been wonderful to see how Christian Science nursing and its healing ministry has grown over the years. I look forward to being a part of that growth and helping to provide Christian Science nursing for all who seek spiritual healing through Christian Science.
