Dear Barbara, I’m interested in learning more about a career as an end of life doula. I understand there are courses, programs, and even certification. Do you know of one that you would recommend? 

I have done webinars and podcasts with several end of life doula groups but am not comfortable in recommending a specific one. There are many different approaches and offerings. These multiple choices give you the chance to match your personality with the instructors and teaching methodology.

Do an internet search, and be sure to check all the websites and their course offerings. Look into where the course instructor was educated and their history with end of life care. Read their course reviews. Select a few courses that you think will give you the knowledge and support you are looking for. Then interview the programs that seem to be good matches. Ask questions about what you are looking for and what your expectations for their program are.

Here are my thoughts on what you want to find in an end of life doula course:

* You want group-learning courses, which can take place in person or through Zoom. You don’t want a written course without consistent interaction with the instructor.

* I suggest you look for ongoing group support and regular continuing Education offerings following completion of the course. 

* You want a personality connection that you like and will be comfortable learning from.

* Classes should include:

Depending on your personal goals, you may want your course to cover additional topics. But what I have listed are the things I feel are most essential.

Something more… about What I Would Look For In a End of Life Doula Training Course

The doula training courses that I work with require their students to have my End Of Life Guideline Bundle and to read The Final Act of Living: Reflections of a Longtime Hospice Nurse. The bundle will live in the doula’s bag to support families. The book (also an audiobook) educates the student from signs of approaching death to funeral planning and advance directives.

Originally Published on https://bkbooks.com/blogs/something-to-think-about

Barbara Karnes Registered Nurse

Barbara Karnes, RN Award Winning End of Life Educator, Award Winning Nurse, NHPCO Hospice Innovator Award Winner 2018 & 2015 International Humanitarian Woman of the Year

While at the bedside of hundreds of people during the dying process, Hospice Pioneer Barbara Karnes noticed that each death was following a near identical script. Each person was going through the stages of death in almost the same manner and most families came to her with similar questions. These realizations led Barbara to sit down and write Gone From My Sight, "The Little Blue Book" that changed the hospice industry.