HOW CAN YOU SHARE YOUR GIFTS AS AN END-OF-LIFE DOULA?

Ecumen Hospice volunteers who have served for 6+ months, with demonstrated skills and commitment to quality patient visits, strong boundaries, timely documentation, and proactive communication. A high comfort level with the dying process is also necessary. It starts with a conversation with our volunteer services team to ensure alignment with the Ecumen Hospice End-of-Life Doula philosophy and time commitment.

After attending our initial training series, HELDs commit to 4-6 visits per month (8-16 hours) and quarterly team check-ins for one year.*

*As a patient transitions, hours each week will increase.

This 6-week virtual training was created and facilitated by our volunteer services team, with guidance from experienced EOL doulas. Topics covered include the doula model of care, navigating difficult conversations, end-of-life wishes, storytelling/legacy/life review, respite care, stages of the dying process, grief & bereavement services, and self-care. The training is highly interactive and designed to give practical knowledge, resources, and tips to apply immediately to your volunteer work.

After the initial training, we provide continuing education, mentorship, and time for connection with other HELD volunteers.

If you are an end-of-life and/or death doula, we welcome you to volunteer with us as a companion and vigil volunteer before moving into the HELD role. Experience in our other roles, which are lesser time commitments, allows you to learn if hospice care is a fit for your preferences as an EOL doula. The talents and skills you bring will be well utilized in all our volunteer opportunities! We have had many people volunteer to gain experience while working through their personal journey to become or grow as an EOL doula.

For many reasons! Our training is specific to Ecumen Hospice and the unique ways hospice care supports patients and their families at the end of life. It offers continuity of expectations and boundaries amongst our HELD volunteers. Facilitating our own training also allows our committed and experienced volunteers to enhance their skillset and serve patients in a deeper role without having to search for a doula training that works with their preferences, schedule, and financial ability. Our training is offered at no cost.