Doula volunteering worth it?

fromtheseaRN, BSN, RN · Jun 1, 2011

the majority of advice i've received about getting a job after school consists of getting a position as a nurse assistant in the hospital or volunteering there. go for it, you'll get your foot in the door, meet the staff, and get to show them how much you'd love to work there.

good luck!

mzjennx, BSN, RN · Jun 1, 2011

I would suggest getting a job as a nurse aide. You will get to know the unit, know the manager and staff. Easy transition and you will be a better candidate compared to someone without experience.

I worked as nurse aide in postpartum and intern in L&D. Unfortunately, there was no new grad job available at the hospital I worked at.

Many nurses suggest to get your experience in med-surg before specializing in L&D and Postpartum. I took a New Grad job in med-surg. I tried to get my DONA doula training/certificate/volunteer. It was tough working full time nights to finish the certificate program. I am still trying to do this the best that I can and just do a lot of CE readings in Maternal Health and OB-GYN.

vampiregirl, BSN, RN · Jun 1, 2011

First of all, what are the training and time requirements for this program? Is it something workable for you around your family/ school schedule?

If you are interested in this L&D unit, then this could be a great opportunity. You would get to see how the unit works and they would get to know you.

ocmama · Jun 1, 2011

I say go for it. Anything that distinguishes you on your resume and shows dedication to a particular field is great. I am a mom too (and still trying to get a job) and I have postpartum doula experience and am also a lactation educator and both of those things seem to go over well whenever I have gotten resume feedback. I know it is hard to find time as a mom, but with the job market the way it is you have to go above and beyond. I would jump at an opportunity like this if it were available to me. You will get your foot in the door and get great experience.

ischialspines · Jun 2, 2011

I think this might help, if the nurses are receptive to the doulas at the hospital. And of course, be careful not to step on any toes in the doula role. Something else to consider - the call schedule. I am assuming that they have the volunteer doulas on rotating call, but make sure that it fits in with your home/family. Being on call for a baby to be born can be very stressful for your own babies!

The best thing to do is to talk to the nurse manager in the hospital you want to work at and ask her what you can do to make yourself more attractive. And be ready to tell her why you want to work at that hospital in L&D! Keeping a list of contacts (and keeping in touch with them so they remember you) is also a good idea.

Calinurse4 · Jun 3, 2011

Thanks for all the input and info! It's just a one day training and you pre-schedule your availability at the training. They ask for 6 12-hour shifts every 6 months. If there isn't a mom in labor needing you during one of those 6 shifts, then you don't even go in. It's a county hospital and I think they see a higher number of women without a support system. It's more of just being there so the mom doesn't labor alone. I couldn't even imagine

They also don't use CNAs there, so that isn't an option for me. Plus, I don't want to work during school, 6 days in 6 months is much more realistic L&D is my ultimate goal, even if I can't start there. It is the whole reason I even went into nursing. I will get there someday!! I figure this can't hurt and it may even help. My OB rotation was so short, if nothing else, at least I will have more exposure to the unit. And, I would never step on any toes~I'll know my place! Thanks again for all your advice.

SurroDoula · Jun 3, 2011

I say go for it, being a doula is what made me so interested in working in labour and delivery one day. I have been a doula since 2003, and have gained many valuable experiences of how births can vary. It can be helpful for developing some instincts about what will help women at certain points in labour.