Episode 32 - Helen Zahos - What Nurses See in War Zones: Helen Zahos Shares the Reality

In this powerful episode of Your Nurse Voice Matters, Wendy Trevarthen sits down with emergency nurse, paramedic, humanitarian volunteer, and PhD candidate Helen Zahos to explore what it truly means to serve on the front line of global disasters and humanitarian crises. From the Bali bombings and the Nepal earthquake to refugee camps in Greece, Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, and conflict zones in Ukraine and Iraq, Helen shares the raw realities of nursing in some of the world’s most challenging environments. She opens up about the emotional toll of disaster response, the lessons learned from working alongside international teams, and the importance of compassion, cultural respect, and emotional intelligence in nursing practice. This conversation is both inspiring and eye-opening for nurses at every stage of their career—whether you’re considering humanitarian work, beginning your nursing journey, or reflecting on the impact you want to leave in healthcare. Helen also discusses her current PhD research focusing on the mental health outcomes of disaster medical teams and offers practical advice for nurses interested in volunteering overseas. A moving conversation about courage, kindness, resilience, and why every nurse’s voice truly matters. To contact Helen – Instagram - Helen_Zahos LinkedIn www.helenzahos.com   If you know a nurse who has a story to tell, [email protected]