Recently, the editorial staff of Vision Now! asked several Christian Science nurses, "What unique place does the Manual By-law for the Christian Science nurse have in your Christian Science nursing practice? The following is Patrice Edwards' reply:

The Manual By-law is a declaration of what is! It describes the existent fact of Mind and Mind's manifestation; the unique relationship of God and Man. Think about it, who has demonstrable knowledge, who has a thorough understanding, and who takes proper care? Nothing and no one can and does except God and God's manifestation. So the By-law is describing the present and eternal activity of the One Altogether Lovely, God Almighty, Infinite Mind, and those who align their thought with this Principle.

Mary Baker Eddy is the founder of a spiritual movement. This movement is impelled by Spirit, Soul, God. One element of the movement is Christian Science nursing. Those receptive to this calling understand that it is the nursing of consciousness. 

For me, this means that God is the Nurse. Each Christian Science nurse is a unique expression or representation of God's abiding care and dominion within Her/His children. Every Christian Science nurse's practice, be it individual, in a facility, or for a Christian Science visiting nursing service, is actually the Oneness and Everywhere-Presence of the Christ activity. This is why, when we pray genuinely, we find ourselves at the right place and time, doing the right thing. We happen to appear just when the patient needs us, because we are simply God's expression, meeting the human need. God knows who to send, and when. Christian Science nursing is a blessing for all concerned. Truly in the giving we receive.

On page 453:29 of Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy writes, "A Christian Scientist's medicine is Mind ..." The Bible tells us in Jeremiah 30:17 : "I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the Lord". Christian Science nursing is a sacred calling. Our unique role is to support and witness the restoration of human consciousness and the experience of health. We do this by surrendering all that we are, and all that we think we are, to the Absolute. And also by calibrating our own thought spiritward and standing on the fact that we are subject only to divine power. This way, when we enter the so-called sickroom, we are transparent vessels for Light. We are healers. 

The Christian Science nurse surrenders to Father-Mother God in terms of understanding the definition of who the child of God (alias patient) really is. It is ultimately God alone who gives the Christian Science nurse the spiritual concepts and practical means by which to nourish each patient. Christian Science nursing is living the qualities that fill an atmosphere with good as the reflection of Love and Principle.

Before becoming a Christian Science nurse, I had a life-coaching practice. In some respects, the role of a Christian Science nurse is akin to being a life coach focusing on spiritual growth and healing. I truly enjoy being a catalyst for change. After all, change is what salvation is all about!

Each Christian Science nurse could also be viewed as an artist who is receptive and transparent as the expression of the divine intention for good. There is a West African saying that art is ritual which connects us to the Divine. The members of The Mother Church, who practice the "rituals" of cheerfulness, genuine affection, and wisdom are artists too. The Christian Science nurse meets practical needs, in ways that touch individuals where they are and helps them be receptive to God's angel messages and divine transformation. These activities could be called the "rituals" or art of our Manual By-law. They remind us that "Love is priestess at the altar of Truth," which is, of course, a divinely authorized declaration of Truth, (see Science and Health p.454:21-22).

Patrice is a Christian Science nurse advertising in The Christian Science Journal  from Federal Way, Washington, who nurses at Sunrise Haven in Kent, Washington.