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

HELDs are holistically trained non-medical companions to hospice patients and their families. They provide emotional, spiritual, and practical support, while reinforcing hospice care concepts and philosophy. HELDs work closely with the hospice team to determine how best to collaboratively support patient/family needs.

As a community-based hospice, we serve patients wherever they call home. This can be a private residence or a care community (nursing home, memory care unit, assisted living). Volunteers open to a bit of local travel are very welcome! As we serve a large portion of Minnesota, part of our interview process is discovering your availability and geographic preferences, and ensuring it matches the needs of our patients.

• Proof of enrollment in or completion of an end-of-life or death doula training program from an approved organization. Ask us about certification organizations.
• Have a high level of comfort with the death and dying process. Understand the physical signs and symptoms, as well as possible emotional and spiritual needs of the dying person and their family.
• Dependable and able to work independently.
• Understand your role as part of a larger hospice interdisciplinary team. Be a supportive and active team member, completing accurate and timely online documentation, and keeping communication open.
• Able to convey compassion and empathy, while maintaining healthy boundaries.
• Honors strict patient confidentiality, and agrees to abide by established volunteer policies, procedures, and Ecumen Hospice HELD philosophy.
• Attends quarterly education and connection sessions.
• Able to commit to a minimum of 4-10 hours a week for one year. Timing will vary based on the needs of the family and patient. As patients transition, hours each week will increase.

End-of-Life Doulas typically commit to a minimum of 4-10 hours a week for one year.*

*Timing will vary based on the needs of the family and patient. As a patient transitions, hours each week will increase.

If you have completed EOL training and are pursuing certification, we offer a supportive place to work through these steps as a “Doula In Training”. This includes opportunities for patient-facing hours to be used as case studies, supervision and coaching from an INELDA-certified death doula, quarterly team check-ins, and guidance through the certification process, which may include study groups, connecting with other HELD volunteers, and general tips and tricks. Due to the time and resources needed to support those working through certification, we ask you commit to a minimum of two years of volunteer service.

Please contact us! We are happy to discuss the different training options and provide resources to get you started.