Course Descriptions
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CHRISTIAN SCIENCE NURSING ARTS TRAINING
The standard for the Christian Science nurse is established by Mary Baker Eddy in the Church Manual By-law “Christian Science Nurse” (Art. VIII, Sect. 31). The By-law is the basis of Christian Science Nursing Arts (CSNA) training. Ethics, sound judgment, nursing principles and skills are taught, demonstrated and practiced on this foundation. Christian Science nurses work closely with the Manual By-law and the qualities of the nurse specified by Mary Baker Eddy in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, as they deepen their understanding of introductory, basic, advanced, and supervisory Christian Science nursing arts. A period of mentored instruction follows each classroom segment of Christian Science Nursing Arts I – IV to help ensure a continuing, sound practice of Christian Science nursing.
Four Core Courses of the structured Christian Science Nursing Arts Training Program
CSNA I: Introductory Christian Science Nursing Arts. The CSNA I course addresses the high standard of Christian Science nursing and the ethics needed for its right practice. Christian Science nursing arts principles are taught along with practical skills and qualities essential for ministering to the patient and providing light assistance with care regarding the needs of nourishment, cleanliness, comfort, mobility, communication, rest, and surroundings. The following are among some of the skills included in this course, taught at an introductory level: skills for assisting with lifting and moving and working with mobility aids; preparing meals with simple modifications and assisting with feeding; skills for bed-making and care for the patient’s surroundings; skills for assisting with bathing and other personal care needs; ethics and the art of reading to and communicating with the patient.**
** Note: The ability to read, write, and speak English comprehensively is necessary for participation in the CSNA classes and for completing the CSNA courses, which are presently taught in English. The art of reading aloud from the Bible and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, the other writings of Mary Baker Eddy, and the Christian Science periodicals is also necessary to the ministry of Christian Science nursing. Support and necessary classes or tutoring that is needed in these areas for the individual Christian Science nurse will be the responsibility of the individual Christian Science nursing organization or service where the Christian Science nurse is taking the mentored portion of the courses.
CSNA II: Basic Christian Science Nursing Arts. The CSNA II course continues to address the art of ministering to the patient and his needs of cleanliness, comfort, communication, rest, activity and mobility, nourishment and surroundings up to full assistance with care. It addresses patient care at this level in the facility or home setting. The skills expand beyond introductory Christian Science nursing arts to include more extensive modifications of nourishment, fuller assistance with feeding, full assistance with lifting, moving, and turning, and skills for providing more extensive assistance with personal care. The course includes ministering to the patient and all his needs when receiving care in bed. CSNA II continues to address the standard of excellence needed in the practice of Christian Science nursing. Ethics, skills, and judgment are taught in relation to the practice of basic Christian Science nursing arts. The requirement for a “demonstrable knowledge of Christian Science practice” remains essential to the individual’s preparation for and representation of Christian Science nursing.
CSNA III: Advanced Christian Science Nursing Arts. In the CSNA III course, the individual’s practice of the basic Christian Science nursing arts expands to embrace the advanced Christian Science nursing arts. Christian Science nurses continue to apply foundational principles as they go forward in this course. Like the two previous courses, this course addresses the art of ministering to the patient and his needs of cleanliness, comfort, communication, rest, activity and mobility, nourishment, and his surroundings. This course also addresses principles, ethics, and skills for cleansing and bandaging. A strong focus in this course is given to the principles and ethics needed in caring for children. Along with a continued focus on ministering to our fellow man, the course addresses principles and ethics requisite for a safe, compassionate, and practical initial and follow-up response to those presented with sudden needs. This course continues to address the standard of excellence needed in the practice of Christian Science nursing. Ethics, skills, and judgment are taught in relation to the advanced arts. Strong demands are made on the Christian Science nurse for “a demonstrable knowledge of Christian Science practice” in the continued preparation for and representation of Christian Science nursing.
CSNA IV: Supervisory Christian Science Nursing Arts. In the CSNA IV course, the individual’s practice of the basic and advanced Christian Science nursing arts is strengthened and brought to the level of supervisory arts. Participants continue to apply foundational principles as they go forward in this course. As in all of the courses, CSNA IV addresses the art of ministering to the patient and his needs of cleanliness, comfort, communication, rest, activity and mobility, nourishment, and his surroundings. A strong focus in this course is given to the principles, qualities, and ethics needed in the overseeing of patient care, including preparation for the roles and responsibilities of management and supervisory positions and ensuring oversight both in field and facility settings. Strong demands continue to be made on the nurse for “a demonstrable knowledge of Christian Science practice” in the preparation for and representation of Christian Science nursing. This course addresses the demonstrated readiness one needs to represent oneself as a Christian Science nurse.
Other CSNA courses offered by the BA:
CSNA VI: Mentoring Christian Science Nursing Arts. The CSNA VI course is designed for Christian Science nurses listed in The Christian Science Journal who are mentoring fellow Christian Science nurses in the practice of Christian Science nursing. The course teaches mentoring ethics and principles and their practical application.
CSNA VII: Christian Science Nursing Arts Focus Course. CSNA VII is offered to Journal-listed Christian Science nurses and to nurses who have completed a Christian Science nurses training program. Courses focus on defined areas in nursing arts skills for the purpose of strengthening the individual practice of Christian Science nursing.
CSNA VIII: Christian Science Nursing Arts For Boards of Trustees of Christian Science Nursing Organizations.
CSNA X: Instructing in the Christian Science Nursing Arts.
For the specific schedule of Christian Science Nursing Arts (CSNA) courses / class dates and other related information, Click Here.
For more information, or to request an application, please call, fax, or write to us at:
Carol D. Worley
Director of Christian Science Nurses Training
Chestnut Hill Benevolent Association
910 Boylston Street
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467-2400
Phone: 617-734-5600 or 800-662-9937
Fax: 617-975-2766
Email: csnursingarts@chbenevolent.org
