QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

What are the requirements to enter the Christian Science Nursing Arts training program?

• Membership in The Mother Church.
   
• Membership in a branch church or society.
   
• Practical accounts, including physical healings, of how you have used Christian Science in your own life that demonstrate your understanding of Christian Science.
   
• Class instruction in Christian Science.
   
• Ability to read, write, and speak English well.
   

What do I need to know to apply?

The Arden Wood Christian Science Nursing Arts (CSNA) training program offers Christian Science nurses the opportunity to strengthen and deepen their Christian Science nursing practices. This program consists of four separate courses, each of which includes 4-6 weeks of classroom instruction, followed by a significant period of on-the-job mentoring on the nursing floor with experienced Journal-listed Christian Science nurses.  Both the classroom instruction and the full mentoring period are vital to the completion of each course.  The full training takes a minimum of three and a half years to complete.

At this time, only the CSNA I & II Classes are taught at Arden Wood.  Arden Wood nurses go to Chestnut Hill for CSNA III and IV Classes and return to Arden Wood for their mentoring portion of these courses.

Arden Wood Christian Science Nursing Arts (DSNA) Nurse
Individuals who have been hired by Arden Wood as CSNA nurses receive these classes and the accompanying mentoring period as an employee benefit.  Progression through these courses is based on the individual readiness of the nurse. 

Christian Science Nurses in the Field
Arden Wood is happy to offer the classroom portion of our CSNA I & II courses for nurses in the field.  To qualify for these classes, an applicant must be recommended for the class by a strong mentoring site or have made other arrangements for the necessary mentoring oversight needed to complete the course. 
Nurses interested in CSNA III and IV classes should contact Chestnut Hill Benevolent Association for dates and information.

When requesting an application, please specify whether you are applying for employment at Arden Wood or for classroom sessions only.

What financial support is available for those who wish to apply?

• Christian Science nurses who are accepted for employment at Arden Wood
  Both the classroom training and the mentored part of Christian Science Nursing Arts courses are employee benefits for CSNA nurses on our nursing staff. As Christian Science nurses continue with their employment at Arden Wood, further benefits relating to this employee benefit will be discussed.

• Christian Science nurses who are not employed at Arden Wood

Christian Science nurses accepted for CSNA I & II classroom instruction at Arden Wood may apply for financial support to the Albert Baker Fund for assistance with their tuition fees. To apply for assistance contact:
The Albert Baker Fund
777 Campus Commons Road, Suite 165
Sacramento, CA  95825
(800) 269 – 0388
E-mail: abf@albertbakerfund.org

Website: www.albertbakerfund.org.

Other resources may also be available.  The charge per week is $550 for CSNA I & II courses.

What is the charge for Room and Board?

For Christian Science nurses who come to Arden Wood to take a class only, Room and Board is $220 per week.*

For Christian Science nurses who are employed at Arden Wood, the current charge for a room ranges from  $435 to $675 per month.* Meal costs depend on whether these individuals prepare their own meals or take meals in the Arden Wood dining room (where per meal charges range from $3.50 to $6*).

Other costs

Christian Science nurses employed at Arden Wood are responsible for providing their own clothing for working on the nursing floor; this may involve purchasing clothing that meets Arden Wood’s nursing floor dress regulations.  A description of appropriate clothing is provided at the time a CSNA Nursing Arts employment application has been accepted. 

*Please note that charges are subject to change.

What are some good reasons to join the program and become a Christian Science nurse?

• It's a wonderful opportunity to serve the Cause of Christian Science while serving mankind.
   
• Spiritual Growth
  Strong demands are made on the Christian Science nurse for “a demonstrable knowledge of Christian Science practice” in accord with the Manual By-Law. Christian Science nurses experience tremendous spiritual growth throughout their careers.
   
• Dependable Career
  There are a variety of career opportunities for Christian Science nurses listed in the Christian Science Journal.
   
• Lasting Friendships
  People come to Christian Science nursing from all walks of life. Strong bonds of friendship develop during this spiritually uplifting experience.
   
• Great Work Environment and Location
  We are housed in a stunning French château-style building located in a lovely neighborhood. Participants enjoy easy access to the fine shopping, cultural events, museums, and spectacular natural setting of the San Francisco Bay Area.
   
• Comprehensive program that prepares one for listing in The Christian Science Journal.

For more information about the training or upcoming classes, please call our registrar at (415) 379-2220 or email csna@ardenwood.org.