Journey to Resilience

Santhiny Rajamohan’s professional nursing journey has cultivated in her a flourishing faith in God and many lessons she shares with the nursing profession, “I have experienced incivility, unfair treatment, and countless hardships as well as adversity,” she says. “God has been faithful in granting me the grace to face these.”

On a recent Following Jesus in Nursing podcast, Santhiny described how her experiences have culminated in developing the R.E.S.T. pillars, a framework designed to foster resilience, particularly in the demanding field of nursing.

The R.E.S.T. pillars stand for Relationship, Exercise, Self-Compassion, and Trust.

1. Relationship: Santhiny emphasizes the importance of nurturing relationships with God, oneself, and others. A strong spiritual foundation serves as an unwavering support during times of trouble. Building a community of supportive relationships also creates a network of care and encouragement.
2. Exercise: She advocates holistic exercise of the body, mind, and spirit. Physical activity boosts physical health; mental exercises enhance cognitive function, and spiritual practices like prayer nourish the soul. Together, these practices build a robust framework for resilience.
3. Self-compassion or soul care: Self-compassion is crucial. By practicing kindness toward oneself and recognizing one’s needs, individuals can better cope with stress and avoid burnout. Soul care involves engaging in activities that renew and rejuvenate the spirit.
4. Trusting God’s timing: Patience and faith in God's timing are essential to resilience. Santhiny believes trusting in God can provide comfort and reduce anxiety about the future.

Through her research and teaching, Santhiny inspires nurses and Christians, demonstrating that resilience is achievable through faith, compassion, and a commitment to holistic well-being.

Read more about the the REST format for resilience in Santhiny’s article, “Fostering Resilience in Nursing Through R.E.S.T.” in the Journal of Christian Nursing. Additionally, the JCN Journal Club webinar, “Understanding and Supporting Minority and Nurse Perspectives” offers valuable insights into creating inclusive and resilient educational environments. See the video here.

This post is excerpted from episode 6 of the Following Jesus in Nursing podcast.