Grateful for an active training season at the BA

Summer CSNA I 

Earlier this month, we completed teaching the classroom portion of our CSNA I class, Introductory Christian Science Nursing Arts. We had two individuals in the class, one who is presently engaged in the mentoring portion of the course, working on our Christian Science nursing floor, and one who returned to Peace Haven, where he is employed, to receive his mentoring. 

It was a wonderful time in the classroom! These two individuals bring so much joy and sincerity to the work, and have an earnest desire to support healing in their role as Christian Science nurses. During the class, they had the opportunity to have a tour of Mary Baker Eddy’s home at 400 Beacon Street in Chestnut Hill, as well as many opportunities to get more familiar with the work of Christian Science nursing by working side by side with Christian Science Nursing Arts instructors on the Christian Science nursing floor here. We are so grateful to both of them for coming forward to do this work! 

Continuing Education Workshop  

On the Friday before the Annual Meeting of The Mother Church, we welcomed twelve Journal-listed Christian Science nurses (one not pictured) to a continuing education workshop here at the Benevolent Association. There were individuals who are working across the world—Canada, England, South Africa, Wales and from all over the United States. We had an active day, with good discussions about ethics and the art of Christian Science nursing and worked together with the art and skills needed to support a high standard of practice in assisting individuals with their needs regarding mobility and activity and for cleansing and bandaging. The Christian Science nurses commented about how much they enjoyed the workshop, appreciating the opportunity to come together in person to be working with things so actively. 

We are planning to offer a similar workshop next year around the time of Annual Meeting. Stay tuned! 

Spring CSNA IV class

From mid-April to mid-May we taught our fourth-level class, CSNA IV: Supervisory Christian Science Nursing Arts. Each participant in the class was highly engaged, contributing actively and learning so much about what is so essential to overseeing one’s own practice as a Christian Science nurse and to overseeing other Christian Science nurses as they carry out their work. The specific roles of a supervisor and director of Christian Science nursing were thoroughly addressed in the class, while giving equal attention to understanding what is required to fully represent themselves as a Christian Science nurse in any setting—home, facility, camp, school and in public settings. The five weeks in the class gave plenty of opportunity for putting the art of oversight into practice through discussion, skills, and hypothetical scenarios. One of the members of the class commented, “This course vastly enriched my understanding of the scope of this ministry and profession.”  

The Christian Science nurses from the class are now fully engaged in their work, being mentored in the role of supervisor and in continuing to refine and grow in their practice of Christian Science nursing, all while supporting individuals as they rely fully on Christian Science for healing.