Suggestions for Selecting an End-of-life Doula Training

by Merilynne Rush, MSHP, RN, BSN, NEDA Co-founder and President, 2019
 
There are many end-of-life doula (EOLD) trainers across the country, and it can be daunting for the new (or experienced) student to choose which training to take. Here are a few suggestions from NEDA we hope you’ll find helpful when considering with whom you would like to learn. 
 
Please keep in mind that NEDA provides information about the following on our website:

1. Doula Model of Care
2. Scope of Practice
3. Code of Ethics
4. Core Competencies and Study Guide

 
Our core competencies are a good starting point to assess the content of a trainer’s program. The NEDA Proficiency Assessment is based on them. Please also remember that NEDA is not a training or accrediting organization. We are a membership organization whose primary purpose is to serve all of our members (trainers, EOLDs, and other interested parties). We cannot evaluate, endorse or recommend any trainer or training group. Everyone listed in our directories is self-described, with no oversight or approval by NEDA. 
 
The following questions may be helpful to you. Use them as a guideline for what you might want to know about any prospective trainer or training. 

1. Does your training address all of the Core Competencies outlined by NEDA?
2. Are you aware of and do you follow the Doula Model of Care, Scope of Practice and Code of Ethics, as outlined by NEDA?
3. What credentials or training do you have that qualifies you to teach EOLD training?
4. What experience do you have as an EOLD?
5. How long have you been teaching?
6. How would you describe the role of the EOLD?
7. What is your overall philosophy of the care that a doula provides?
8. Would you consider your training to be more spiritual or more practical in orientation?
9. How many students have you trained?
10. How many of your students have gone on to become EOLDs?
11. Do you provide any mentoring or on-going support to your students after training?
12. In what format do you offer training (online only, in-person only, mixed)?
13. How long is your training?  
14. Where does your training take place?
15. What is your teaching style?
16. How many students are in the training at one time?
17. How would you describe your training and how does it compare to other trainings?
18. What subject areas do you address in training?   
19. Do you offer any certification, and if so, what does it entail? (Learn more about certification here.) 
20. May I see testimonials from students or can you give me references?
21. Do you include information on how to establish a business as an EOLD?
22. How much does your training cost?

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Copyright 2019 National End-of-Life Doula Alliance, nedalliance.org