Introduction 

Some Registered Nurses are working part-time in a nursing role and part-time as a death doula in the employ of people at the end of life. These diametrically opposing (medical versus non-medical) roles are attractive to many. However there are legal considerations regarding scope of practice that they may be unaware of when entering into contracts with families.

Aims

To investigate the views and experiences of registered nurses working concurrently as a death doula.

Methods

Registered Nurses working concurrently as a death doula were invited to participate in an interview between August 2021 and April 2022. Ethical approval was obtained (number 7933). Eight Registered Nurses participated in interviews which were analysed qualitatively.

Results 

The resulting themes were: 1) interest in the role, 2) attraction of the role, 3) what is done as a doula that can’t be done as a nurse 4) separating the roles, 5) seeing patients as both a nurse and a doula, 6) monetary considerations, 7) service models, 8) future plans, 9) influence of nursing registration, and 10) nursing registration codes.

 

Nurses concurrently take on the death doula role which they enjoy as it gives them time to spend with patients and families not always available in their nursing role.  Role flexibility and independence are also attractive features. Many interviewees were unaware that nursing codes of conduct apply at all times. The dichotomy of role philosophy and enactment is of interest as more RNs take on both roles.

 

Conclusion 

This study is the first to investigate the complexity underlying this unique area of inquiry. Some registered nurses are working concurrently as death doulas and the reality of this should be considered in relation to roles and responsibilities, legal requirements and codes of conduct.