Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a Christian Science nurse stay?

This service is available seven days a week. The length of the visit may be flexible when meeting an immediate need, but usually the stay does not exceed two hours.

If longer service is required and home care remains appropriate, our Christian Science nurse may assist in arranging for a private duty Christian Science nurse.

What if I need equipment to help me while I’m at home working on healing?

This service has available a number of items which we can lend to those relying on Christian Science for healing. The visiting Christian Science nurse is happy to discuss with you your needs and come to your home to demonstrate the use of various walkers, crutches, commodes, chairs, etc. If you need equipment the Service does not own, the visiting Christian Science nurse can assist you in determining what equipment is appropriate and in finding sources from which to borrow, rent or buy.

What does the Christian Science Nurse Service of New Hampshire charge for services?

Home visits are $55 per hour in ¼ hour increments, with a minimum charge of $55.

Travel is billed at an hourly rate of $25 plus the IRS per mile rate for a round-trip from 33 School Street, Concord, NH to your residence.

By using the Concord address for all calculations, the charge will not vary depending on which Christian Science nurse responds to a call, or where they may be coming from. Supplies are billed at cost.

The National Fund for Christian Science Nursing
and some health insurance policies cover care provided by a Journal-listed Christian Science nurse.

Benevolence is available, including a “friendly visit” (i.e. free introductory visit).

What are the roles of Christian Science Practitioners and Christian Science Nurses and how do they relate?

Christian Science practitioners and Christian Science nurses are on the same page in that they are both looking to see God’s man and to see opportunity for Christ healing in any situation they encounter.

Practitioners have the special privilege of seeing Christ healing of a patient’s thought and the place that this has in experiencing a spiritual solution to any challenge. Christian Science nurses focus on uplifting their own thought and keeping it clearly focused on the divine while they assist with the practical care needs of the individual.

The Christian Science nurse may be in touch with the practitioner on a case to let them know of the care needs of a patient and the progress being made while assisting on a nursing case. There are times when a patient may not be able to or may not feel free to give a Christian Science practitioner information regarding the details of the care needs that may be helpful for the practitioner to know.

What is an Advance Health Care Directive; do I need one and if so, how do I get one?

An Advance Health Care Directive (AHCD) is required for admission to most Christian Science nursing facilities and is helpful when receiving Christian Science nursing services.

In developing an Advance Health Care Directive for yourself or assisting others, it is highly recommended that you contact a lawyer to advise you.

An Advance Health Care Directive is a legal written statement that sets out guidelines that you wish followed for your health care. It specifies another adult to make health care decisions for you in case you are unable to do so, and enables you to define the care and treatment you wish to have if you become incapacitated and unable to communicate your desires. There are several terms that are similar in purpose, such as living will, personal directive, advance directive or health care proxy.

Here is a link to an Advance Care Planning Guide written with a focus on the New Hampshire forms and guidelines. https://www.healthynh.org/images/PDFfiles/advance-directives/2017_ACPG_Final.pdf This document was not developed specifically for Christian Scientists and therefore reflects a traditional medical perspective. You may want to specify that steps be taken and other steps not be taken. Again, to develop a statement that fits your wishes and needs, we highly recommend that you contact a lawyer to guide and direct you.

© 2023 Christian Science Nurse Service of New Hampshire