A Ukrainian Nurse Finds Purpose Again While Helping Others in Moldova

A small suitcase packed in haste. Her son beside her, watching, waiting, asking questions she could not always answer. Behind them, Odesa. Ahead, uncertainty.

When the war in Ukraine escalated in February 2022, Natalia had no plan to leave her home. She had years of experience in intensive care, anesthesiology, and surgical units, and later worked as a health coordinator in an insurance company. She was used to pressure, to long shifts, to difficult decisions. But this was different. As air raid sirens became a daily reality and families repeatedly sought shelter in basements, Natalia realized she could no longer stay.

On 7 March 2022, she packed a small suitcase, took her son, and crossed the border into Moldova. Her husband, who also works in the medical field, remained in Ukraine. The journey was slow and tense. There was snow, long queues, and the constant uncertainty of what lay ahead. Natalia carefully prepared her son for the journey, keeping small amounts of money in different pockets in case of emergencies. At the same time, she tried to shield him from fear.

Despite the fear and exhaustion, the first act of kindness she experienced in Moldova left a lasting impression.

‎“Moldovan people were waiting with hot tea, sandwiches, cookies, and traditional food. They were sharing what they had with strangers. I will never forget that,” she says. 

Once in Chișinău, Natalia began volunteering at a refugee accommodation centre. She helped distribute humanitarian aid, organized activities for children, and provided emotional support for families still coping with the effects of the war. Even after reaching safety, many remained deeply affected by what they had experienced. One moment in particular stayed with her: a young boy from Kyiv who, even in safety, would shout “air raid alert” while playing – as though the war had followed him across the border.

Natalia’s medical background soon became a crucial resource. After some months living in the refugee accommodation centre, she was invited to join IOM’s programme for vaccination ambassadors, targeting Ukrainian refugees with medical backgrounds. For Natalia, accepting the opportunity was not just a professional step, but a way to find purpose again.

Today, Natalia works as a Health Mediator with IOM in Moldova, helping Ukrainian refugees navigate the local healthcare system. She guides beneficiaries in registering with family doctors, understanding their rights under temporary protection, and accessing timely medical care.

‎“Our mission is to ensure people have safe and timely access to healthcare,” Natalia explains. “Many beneficiaries don’t know where to go or how the system works. Sometimes they face obstacles at clinics, and we help them resolve these situations.” 

She also conducts information sessions for Ukrainian communities, clarifying healthcare procedures, explaining changes in legislation, and offering guidance on specialist referrals. Her clinical expertise allows her to quickly assess reported health issues and advise on the appropriate course of action. Just as importantly, she understands what it means to arrive in a new country and feel unsure of where to turn.

For Natalia, the most rewarding part of her work is the tangible impact it has on people’s lives.

‎“Natalia didn’t just give me information – she supported me at every step,” says Angela, a Ukrainian refugee who arrived in Moldova in April 2024 with her teenage son. When a serious medical emergency arose, Natalia was the first person Angela called. She guided her through what to do, stayed in contact throughout, and even came to the clinic to help.

“For someone in a new country, without really understanding how things work, that kind of support makes you feel safe. I’m very grateful for everything she did for me and my son.”

In emergency settings, health mediators and peer supporters often fill a critical gap. They help people understand how to access services, overcome fear and misinformation, and receive timely care before conditions worsen. Their guidance provides reassurance and practical support from people with shared experiences, helping restore a sense of dignity when systems feel unfamiliar or overwhelming. 

“Health is the most valuable thing we have,” Natalia says. “You can be dealing with many problems, but once you’re ill, everything else fades into the background. That’s why prevention, staying active, and supporting each other matter so much.”

Today, Natalia and her son are slowly building a life in Chișinău, while staying closely connected to their home in Odesa. The future is still uncertain, but one thing is clear – she will keep helping others.

“Wherever I am, helping people will always be part of who I am,” she says. “I hope to return home to Odesa one day. But what I experienced here, and the community I found in Moldova, will stay with me.”