To Doula or Not to Doula

So I've been thinking for a while now that I really want to go back to college and get my nursing degree. I realize that this isn't going to happen any time soon...I love being at home with my kids and don't really want to take any time away from that. In a few years when my mom retires, she has offered to watch the kids...whoever is still at home...so I can go back to school. I really want to be a labor and delivery nurse, as nowhere else in the hospital really interests me. My sis-in-law just completed nursing school, and yesterday was offered a job in postpartum. I am really excited for her! I told her she had better call when she has some interesting stories! :) Something I've been thinking about doing instead of becoming a nurse, is taking some classes to become a registered doula. Money, or getting paid, has nothing to do with it...other than the cost of college if I were to pursue a nursing degree. The only reason I would love to be a L&D nurse is because I would love to help women through labor and delivery. With every one of my pregnancies, I loved being in labor and delivering my babies. There's truly nothing like it! I've found the DONA website to be extremely helpful in where to take courses and things like that, and I've contacted a lady here in the metro KC area that is part of the KC doula group. I'm really praying about this, as I realize that it will take time away from my kids as well. I know that I will have to be on call and leave whenever the mother goes into labor, so this idea may have to wait until mom's retirement also. Mike isn't going to be able to get the girls off to school if I'm not here, as he leaves for work way before they even get up. It's just something that I've wanted to do for a long time. I want women to have the same amazing memories of the births of their children as I do. Even though I was in miserable pain through 2 of them, I still remember them to be 4 of the most incredible moments of my life! I am also obsessed with watching labor and delivery shows (Birth Day, Maternity Ward, Babies: Special Delivery, Deliver Me...etc.) You name it, I've watched it! Anyway, I just wanted to get some of your thoughts on the idea, as well as prayers for me. I would appreciate it very much! And if any of you are expecting and would like a labor support, I would love to be there! :D One of the requirements for doula certification is being present at 3 births. Finding volunteers is going to be the difficult part!