End-of-Life Doula Training

The new field of the end-of-life doula is growing rapidly. Be a part of this exciting new profession. Put your life experiences to work. Enhance your existing skills or business practice.

Merilynne has been training end-of-life doulas since 2016. In addition to having been a hospice nurse, she brings her 40 years of experience caring for families in transition to this work. Her training is dynamic and comprehensive and prepares you to earn your Proficiency Badge through the National End-of-life Doula Alliance, of which Merilynne is President.

​You've found your calling. This is your training.

Upcoming Trainings

End-of-Life Doula Training
LIVE, online via zoom; 5 weeks total
Tuesdays July 14 - August 11, 2020
5:00 - 8:00 pm EDT/2:00 - 5:00 pm PDT
Saturdays September 12 - October 10, 2020
​1:00 pm - 4:00 pm EDT/10:00 am - 1:00 pm PDT
Learn more about our training details on our FAQs About The Dying Year Doula Trainings. If you are interested in pursuing certification, you can get started on our EOLD Certification page.
Have questions?
Ready to register?

What you will learn

In each class we discuss the
  • Physical
  • Emotional
  • Spiritual
  • Cognitive and
  • Social/cultural
needs of the
  • Dying individual
  • Family/caregiver(s) and
  • Community
as well as the
  • Doula's role and
  • Non-medical, hands-on comfort measures.

Class 1: Initial Diagnosis
  • Centering ourselves
  • Awareness of bias
  • Doula Model of Care
  • Intake assessment
  • Creating a circle of support
  • Advance Care Planning
  • Life review and legacy work
​Class 2: Advancing Illness
  • Anticipatory grief
  • Shifting roles and decision-making
  • Community resources and care settings
  • Palliative care, including pediatric
  • Hospice care
  • Life review and legacy work
Class 3: End-stage Illness and Active Dying
  • Presence and Unknowing
  • Bedside vigil
  • Ritual
Class 4: Death and After Death Care
  • Immediate care of the body
  • Funeral plans, including home funeral
  • Disposition, including green burial
  • Bereavement
  • Ongoing support
Class 5: Summary and Next Steps
  • What services to offer
  • Establishing a business
  • Business paperwork
  • Advocacy & safety
  • Self care
  • Certification
  • LGBT community awareness​
Who will benefit from end-of-life doula training?
  • Anyone who wants to become a professional end-of-life doula
  • Hospice volunteers and others wanting to serve
  • Family members and friends of the dying
  • Hospice and palliative care providers
  • Midwives and doulas
  • Nurses, doctors, and social workers
  • Clergy, chaplains, celebrants
  • Healers and therapists
  • Those who provide home care and companion care
  • Life coaches
 
Who should not take this training?
This training is designed for those who are preparing to care for others. Therefore, it is not recommended for the recently bereaved or those who are currently very ill. If you have concerns, please ask.
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​Compassionate Communities: A Public Health Approach to End-of-Life Care by Merilynne Rush, MSHP, RN, BSN