Suzanne O'Brien RN
International Doulagivers Institute, founded by Suzanne O’Brien RN, providing the highest level of education and certification for the End of Life Doula. Our Doulagiver training is akin to the birth doula model: both help people transition to and from this world. Facilitating this process requires education, training and compassion. Our certified End of Life Doulas are a global community working as an adjunct to Hospice and providing care and guidance for patients and families at the end of life.
And you can find everything you need at Doulagivers, an internationally recognized leader in end of life training programs and care.
Featured Articles
New York Times -The Death Positive Movement Comes to Life:
End-of-life doulas support people emotionally, physically, spiritually and practically: sitting vigil, giving hand massages, making snacks. People are showing up to be Doulas from all walks of life and “filling the gap” of presence in hospice care.
New York Times- Death Doulas Provide Aid at The End of Life
“They say death and taxes are the only things guaranteed in life. But people don’t pay their taxes. So I’m saying death is the only one that’s for sure.” ~ Suzanne B. O’Brien RN
Time Magazine - Death Doulas Used to be Rare. The Covid-19 Pandemic Changed That.
Suzanne O’Brien, founder of Doulagivers, notes that the COVID-19 pandemic made death impossible to ignore and sparked a dramatic increase in people training as end-of-life doulas. According to O’Brien, her organization trained more than 1,000 doulas in 2021, up from roughly 380 before the pandemic.
Oprah Magazine
CBS News End of Life Doulas Become Growing trend to Ease The Final Passing- Stephanie Stalls
Suzanne O’Brien, an oncology nurse, has shifted her focus to training end-of-life doulas, individuals who are not medically licensed but learn to provide comfort and support during a person’s final days. She believes dying can be a peaceful, dignified experience, and her training courses equip people—often family members—to assist in ensuring a tranquil end-of-life transition.
Hospice News- Death Doulas Engage with Hospice to Support Patients
Suzanne O’Brien stresses that end-of-life doulas help patients understand and exercise their choices, guiding them through emotional, spiritual, and logistical concerns in the dying process. By educating families, addressing anxieties, and encouraging earlier hospice enrollment, O’Brien believes doulas can improve the quality and dignity of end-of-life experiences.
Hospice News- Death Doulas Could Bridge Gaps to Hospice
Suzanne O’Brien underscores that misunderstandings of hospice and fragmentation in the medical system can hinder patients from accessing the best possible end-of-life care. By partnering with death doulas, hospices can help ensure patients and families receive more comprehensive support, ultimately resulting in a more positive, holistic experience in the final stage of life.
Hospice News- Pandemic Pushes Death Doula Awareness. Hospices Seek to Strengthen Ties
Suzanne O’Brien points out that many people are unclear about hospice’s role and that the fragmented medical system often prevents a positive end-of-life experience. She urges hospices and death doulas to work together to ensure that the single opportunity for a peaceful dying process is not lost due to misinformation or lack of support.
PBS Health : Death Doulas Palliative Care Living Life Till Your Last Breath
Watch on Youtube.
Good Day Tulsa: Hospice of Green Country
Watch the meeting recording.
New York Post - End of Life Doulas Bring Guidance and Strength at a Time of Need
Suzanne O’Brien’s Doulagivers training program teaches individuals to offer non-medical, holistic end-of-life support, including emotional guidance and practical assistance with day-to-day tasks. Inspired by the compassion she observed in Zimbabwe, O’Brien emphasizes the “power of presence” as a vital aspect of caring for the dying, filling a gap left by the traditional health care system and encouraging the creation of meaningful legacies and closure.
NYBERG: End of Life Doula Suzanne B. O’Brien RN shares Unique Job:
Watch on Youtube.
AARP: New Report: These Are the Most Livable Cities in the U.S. for Seniors
O’Brien identifies isolation, nutrition, and safety as critical factors affecting older adults when deciding where to live. She also notes that Great Neck Plaza’s well-run, senior-focused bus system offers convenient and affordable transportation, aiding in connectivity and fostering a supportive environment.
