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Outside Nursing

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 30, 1909

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 86, No. 52.

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Outside Nursing

By O. B. Kuhn

The medical missionary nurse is engaged in the same work—“the science of soul saving”—when on “outside” cases as when employed in the sanitarium, and the same high ideals should furnish inspiration and encouragement in her work.
It should always be remembered that “to heal the sick” is a part of the gospel commission (Matt. 10:8; Luke 9:2; Mark 16:18), and that the medical work connected with the third angel’s message is fulfilling that portion of the gospel trust. The interests of the whole message of which her work is but a part must ever be of first importance. The medical work is a means in the hands of the church for the redemption of the soul as well as the body.
It is said of Jesus Christ that he never made plans for himself, but daily accepted the plans of God for him, and was always in the place and doing the work that God’s providence appointed. So the providence of God will appoint the work and place of labor for all who are consecrated to him. It is his providence that calls the consecrated worker out of the sanitarium and sends her into the homes of the people. It is God’s will, and he has a purpose to accomplish through the worker. This thought should be established in the mind of the nurse, and she should therefore work accordingly.
“Jesus Christ came to this world to become the unwearied . . . servant . . . of man’s necessity.” “I am among you as he that serveth.” Luke 22:27. “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus; who . . . made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant.” Phil. 2:5-8.
The missionary nurse should become a servant among all. To become a servant to humanity, with its eternal interests as the chief object, is the highest honor one can bestow upon it. Services should not be limited merely to professional duties, but the worker should become “all things to all men,” that by all means souls might be saved. Not that principle is to be sacrificed on any point, but that self be made a “servant unto all,” that the more may be gained.” 1 Cor. 9:19-22.
The Saviour associated with all classes, that he might present truth to every one. He did not confine himself to a certain class or to one particular phase of the work. He made himself familiar with the lives and needs of all, and worked accordingly. So the missionary nurse should associate with the members of the family as much as possible or advisable, the object, of course, being to teach the principles of truth. She should show an interest in their lives, and, if agreeable, come close to their experiences and offer help and advice, taking an active part in the household economics if so desired.
In laboring for the souls of servants, the nurse may help them in their work for a few minutes whenever possible or necessary in order to talk to them concerning the kingdom of God. She should never make them extra work if unnecessary, but by her consideration and helpfulness make herself their friend.
The nurse is not to be so professional that she has no room for anything else, but inferior professional services should never be rendered. The best she has should always be given. Efficiency in nursing will command respect, and a consistent Christian life will break down prejudice and recommend her religion.
O. B. KUHN.