scholarly journals Exploring the Development of a Mentoring Relationship Among Newly Credentialed Athletic Trainers

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 174-181 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Mazerolle Singe ◽  
Stacy W. Walker

Context Mentorship has been identified as a primary organizational socialization tactic and has been directly associated with transition to practice. Objective Understand how the mentoring relationship develops for the newly credentialed athletic trainer during the first year of clinical practice. Design Grounded theory. Setting Athletic training practice settings. Patients or Other Participants Thirteen athletic trainers, who graduated from a professional master's program, certified between February and July of 2016, and obtained employment between July to August of 2016, participated in this study (6 female, 7 male, 26 ± 3 years; work settings included professional sports, college, secondary and middle school, and clinic). Data saturation was met. Main Outcome Measure(s) Semistructured phone interviews were conducted with all participants during 3 specific time points (3, 8, and 12 months posthire). All interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded following the steps of a grounded theory study. Credibility strategies included researcher triangulation and peer review. Results All 13 participants recognized a mentor, someone who they believed serve in a mentoring capacity during their transition into clinical practice as a newly credentialed athletic trainer. The development of the mentoring relationship for the newly credentialed athletic trainer appeared to be characterized by (1) identification of a mentor who had experience and knowledge, (2) a recognition of the need to have support and continued avenues for growth as a health care professional, (3) an informal initiation of the relationship through a professional relationship by the mentee, and (4) communication that overtime was reduced in frequency. Conclusions Mentors provide career support and professional growth. Newly credentialed athletic trainers should seek out mentors who can support their continued development. The informal relationship appears to be of the greatest importance during the first few months of practice, and then once comfort and self-confidence improves, the frequency of communication is reduced.

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 300-306
Author(s):  
Sarah A. Manspeaker ◽  
Alison N. Wix

Context Athletic trainers must develop the knowledge and skills to recognize signs and symptoms of dermatologic conditions in the physically active population. Objective To present an overview of an educational technique aimed at promoting the development of skills related to dermatological care that meets clinical practice needs and accreditation requirements for athletic training programs at all levels. Background Curricular content standards in athletic training education require learners to obtain the skills necessary to perform an evaluation, formulate a diagnosis, and establish a plan of care relevant to the integumentary system, including dermatological conditions. Cognitive Learning Theory uses specific sequencing of content and learning sessions to promote student engagement in the learning process. Description Within an evaluation course for nonorthopaedic conditions, a 3–class session learning module was developed to target instruction, application, and assessment of dermatological conditions. This article describes the development, overview of content, delivery methods, outcomes to date, and connection to the instructional standards in athletic training. Clinical Advantage(s) Integrating evaluation of dermatological conditions into athletic training curricula enhances clinical decision-making skills and direct application of these skills to clinical practice. Conclusion(s) Athletic trainers should be able to effectively identify, manage, and potentially refer patients with dermatological conditions. Educating future athletic trainers to be able to prevent the spread of infection, decrease disease transmission, and enhance their ability to recognize and manage dermatological conditions is vital to their development toward independent clinical practice.


2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (5) ◽  
pp. 460-468 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel E. Brinkman-Majewski ◽  
Windee M. Weiss

Context: The motivational climate created by the athletic trainer in rehabilitation may be critical in influencing athletes’ intrinsic motivation and other psychosocial outcomes in the rehabilitation and the recovery processes. Objective: To examine intercollege athletes’ perceptions of the motivational climate in the rehabilitation setting. Specifically, examining if perceptions of the motivational climate can predict athletes’ levels of intrinsic motivation with rehabilitation as well as the relationship between perceptions of the motivational climate and athlete demographics (gender, starter status, athletic trainer gender, etc). Design: Cross-sectional, descriptive research. Setting: College sport team and athletic training center. Participants: National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II intercollege athletes from one institution (n = 187; 125 males and 62 females). Main Outcome Measures: Paper-based survey measuring mastery and performance perceptions of the motivational climate in rehabilitation, athletes’ goal orientation in sport, and athletes’ levels of motivation in rehabilitation. Results: Perceptions of a performance climate were positively related to intrinsic motivation effort–improvement (effect size = 25.34%). Perceptions of a mastery climate were positively related to interest–enjoyment and perceived competence and negatively related to tension–pressure (effect size = 39.03%). In general, female athletes, as well as athletes with a female athletic trainer, had significantly higher perceptions of mastery motivational climate effort–improvement than male athletes and athletes with male athletic trainers. While male athletes and athletes with male athletic trainers had higher perceptions of intrateam member rivalry in rehabilitation. Conclusions: The athlete’s gender and goal orientation, as well as the gender of the athletic trainer creating the motivational climate, can influence whether the environment is perceived as more mastery or performance. The recovering athletes’ perceptions of the climate in rehabilitation can, in turn, affect their intrinsic motivation toward the therapeutic interventions.


2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 54-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie M. Mazerolle ◽  
Thomas Dodge

Context Retention of quality students in athletic training programs (ATPs) is important. Many factors contribute to retention of students, including their motivation level, peer support, positive interactions with instructors, clinical integration, and mentorship. Objective Highlight the use of the observation period for preparatory athletic training students as a means to promote retention. Background Many ATPs require a period of observation as part of or as a precursor to application for admission. The experience gives students initial exposure to the profession while allowing the ATP to evaluate the student's potential for admission and success within the program and as a young professional. The roles of an athletic trainer are complex and challenging; therefore, ATPs need to ensure they are preparing their students for professional practice. Synthesis A review of the retention literature was conducted and specific applications suggested based upon the authors' professional experiences. Results Early socialization into the profession is helpful for understanding an athletic trainer's role. Diversity during the observation period can facilitate a student's understanding, plausibly improving persistence. Recommendations Athletic training programs are encouraged to provide the preparatory student with structured, required observations of athletic trainers. Specifically, students should be exposed to diverse clinical employment settings and the different domains of clinical practice for the athletic trainer. This exposure could plausibly facilitate retention. Conclusions It is important to identify strategies to help retain quality students in order to promote and advance the professional stature of athletic training. Focusing on clinical experiences, rather than quantity of hours, may benefit students who are evaluating their futures as athletic trainers.


2013 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 405-415 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cailee W. McCarty ◽  
Dorice A. Hankemeier ◽  
Jessica M. Walter ◽  
Eric J. Newton ◽  
Bonnie L. Van Lunen

Context: Successful implementation of evidence-based practice (EBP) within athletic training is contingent upon understanding the attitudes and beliefs and perceived barriers toward EBP as well as the accessibility to EBP resources of athletic training educators, clinicians, and students. Objective: To assess the attitudes, beliefs, and perceived barriers toward EBP and accessibility to EBP resources among athletic training educators, clinicians, and students. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Online survey instrument. Patients or Other Participants: A total of 1209 athletic trainers participated: professional athletic training education program directors (n = 132), clinical preceptors (n = 266), clinicians (n = 716), postprofessional athletic training educators (n = 24) and postprofessional students (n = 71). Main Outcome Measure(s): Likert-scale items (1 = strongly disagree, 4 = strongly agree) assessed attitudes and beliefs and perceived barriers, whereas multipart questions assessed accessibility to resources. Kruskal-Wallis H tests (P ≤ .05) and Mann-Whitney U tests with a Bonferroni adjustment (P ≤ .01) were used to determine differences among groups. Results: Athletic trainers agreed (3.27 ± 0.39 out of 4.0) that EBP has various benefits to clinical practice and disagreed (2.23 ± 0.42 out of 4.0) that negative perceptions are associated with EBP. Benefits to practice scores (P = .002) and negative perception scores (P < .001) differed among groups. With respect to perceived barriers, athletic trainers disagreed that personal skills and attributes (2.29 ± 0.52 out of 4.0) as well as support and accessibility to resources (2.40 ± 0.40 out of 4.0) were barriers to EBP implementation. Differences were found among groups for personal skills and attributes scores (P < .001) and support and accessibility to resources scores (P < .001). Time (76.6%) and availability of EBP mentors (69.6%) were the 2 most prevalent barriers reported. Of the resources assessed, participants were most unfamiliar with clinical prediction rules (37.6%) and Cochrane databases (52.5%); direct access to these 2 resources varied among participants. Conclusions: Athletic trainers had positive attitudes toward the implementation of EBP within didactic education and clinical practice. However, accessibility and resource use remained low for some EBP-related resources. Although the perceived barriers to implementation are minimal, effective integration of EBP within athletic training will present challenges until these barriers dissolve.


2010 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 249-267 ◽  
Author(s):  
Megan D. Granquist ◽  
Diane L. Gill ◽  
Renee N. Appaneal

Context:Rehabilitation adherence is accepted as a critical component for attaining optimal outcomes. Poor adherence is recognized as a problem in the athletic training setting. Measurement has been inconsistent, and no measure has been developed for athletic training settings.Objective:To identify indicators of sportinjury rehabilitation adherence relevant to athletic training and develop a Rehabilitation Adherence Measure for Athletic Training (RAdMAT) based on these indicators.Design:Mixed methods, 3 steps.Setting:College athletic training facility.Participants:Practicing certified athletic trainers (ATCs; n = 7) generated items, experts (n = 12) reviewed them, and practicing ATCs (n = 164) completed the RAdMAT for their most, average, and least adherent athlete.Main Outcome Measure:RAdMAT.Results:The RAdMAT is 16 items with 3 subscales. Subscales and total have good internal consistency and clearly discriminate among adherence levels.Conclusions:The RAdMAT is based on scholarly literature and clinical practice, making it particularly appropriate for use in athletic training clinical practice or for research purposes.


2010 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
pp. 279-286 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirk J. Armstrong ◽  
Thomas G. Weidner

Abstract Context: Continuing education (CE) is intended to promote professional growth and, ultimately, to enhance professional practice. Objective: To determine certified athletic trainers' participation in formal (ie, approved for CE credit) and informal (ie, not approved for CE credit) CE activities and the perceived effect these activities have on professional practice with regard to improving knowledge, clinical skills and abilities, attitudes toward patient care, and patient care itself. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Athletic training practice settings. Patients or Other Participants: Of a geographic, stratified random sample of 1000 athletic trainers, 427 (42.7%) completed the survey. Main Outcome Measure(s): The Survey of Formal and Informal Athletic Training Continuing Education Activities was developed and administered electronically. The survey consisted of demographic characteristics and Likert-scale items regarding CE participation and perceived effect of CE on professional practice. Internal consistency of survey items was determined using the Cronbach α (α  =  0.945). Descriptive statistics were computed for all items. An analysis of variance and dependent t tests were calculated to determine differences among respondents' demographic characteristics and their participation in, and perceived effect of, CE activities. The α level was set at .05. Results: Respondents completed more informal CE activities than formal CE activities. Participation in informal CE activities included reading athletic training journals (75.4%), whereas formal CE activities included attending a Board of Certification–approved workshop, seminar, or professional conference not conducted by the National Athletic Trainers' Association or affiliates or committees (75.6%). Informal CE activities were perceived to improve clinical skills or abilities and attitudes toward patient care. Formal CE activities were perceived to enhance knowledge. Conclusions: More respondents completed informal CE activities than formal CE activities. Both formal and informal CE activities were perceived to enhance athletic training professional practice. Informal CE activities should be explored and considered for CE credit.


2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 291-299
Author(s):  
Hae-Joo Nam ◽  
Eunwook Chang

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate athletes’ satisfaction of sports injury management system and athletic trainers’ job satisfaction.METHODS: Total of 183 athletes and 30 athletic trainers responded to the survey. The surveys consisted 25 questions for health care satisfaction from athletes. From factor analysis, there were four subfactors 1) Satisfaction with trainer quality, 2) Activity on the role of the trainer, 3) Satisfaction with injury management system service, 4) The necessity of an athletic trainer) from 25 questions. The survey for athletic trainers consisted to 19 questions and there were five subfactors 1) Relationship and communication, 2) Treatment as an athletic trainer 3) Expectation for working environment change, 4) Proud for the job, 5) Anxiety and inequality in the work environment). One-way analysis of variance was utilized to compare the differences among subfactors in each category. Independent t-test was used to compare the satisfaction with or without athletic trainers.RESULTS: 1) Athletes’ satisfaction: there was a significant difference between the satisfaction with or without athletic trainers in subfactor 2 and 3 (p<.01). The satisfaction of injury management system exhibited that subfactor 2 and 3 showed a significance difference by age (p<.05) and subfactor 1, 2, and 3 (p<.01) showed a significant difference by event participations of athletic trainers. 2) Athletic trainers’ satisfaction: There was a significant difference on subfactor 3 (p<.05) between age 20-26 years old. In addition, there was a significant difference on sub factor 3 (p<.05) by type of sports and on subfactor 2 (p<.05) by career span.CONCLUSIONS: A systematic athletic training education program and the vocational welfare environment of athletic trainer will be necessary for providing a better health care services to athletes.


2018 ◽  
Vol 53 (7) ◽  
pp. 709-715
Author(s):  
Christianne M. Eason ◽  
Stephanie M. Mazerolle ◽  
William A. Pitney

Context:  The constructs of job satisfaction and career intentions in athletic training have been examined predominantly via unilevel assessment. The work-life interface is complex, and with troubling data regarding attrition, job satisfaction and career intentions should be examined via a multilevel model. Currently, no known multilevel model of career intentions and job satisfaction exists within athletic training. Objective:  To validate a multilevel model of career intentions and job satisfaction among a collegiate athletic trainer population. Design:  Cross-sectional study. Setting:  Web-based questionnaire. Patients or Other Participants:  Athletic trainers employed in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I, II, or III or a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics college or university (N = 299; 56.5% female, 43.5% male). The average age of participants was 34 ± 8.0 years, and average experience as an athletic trainer was 10.0 ± 8 years. Main Outcome Measure(s):  A demographic questionnaire and 7 Likert-scale survey instruments were administered. Variables were responses related to work-family conflict, work-family enrichment, work-time control, perceived organizational family support, perceived supervisor family support, professional identity and values, and attitude toward women. Results:  Exploratory factor analysis confirmed 3 subscales: (1) individual factors, (2) organizational factors, and (3) sociocultural factors. The scale was reduced from 88 to 62 items. A Cronbach α of 0.92 indicated excellent internal consistency. Conclusions:  A multilevel examination highlighting individual, organizational, and sociocultural factors is a valid and reliable measure of job satisfaction and career identity among athletic trainers employed in the collegiate setting.


2021 ◽  
Vol 56 (9) ◽  
pp. 980-992
Author(s):  
Cynthia J. Wright ◽  
Mike T. Diede

Context As part of clinical practice, athletic trainers (ATs) provide immediate management of patients with acute joint dislocations. Management techniques may include on-site closed joint reduction of the dislocated joint. Although joint reduction is part of the 2020 educational standards, currently practicing ATs may have various levels of exposure, knowledge, and skills. Objective To capture AT self-reported knowledge and practice patterns concerning closed joint reductions. Design Cohort study. Setting Online survey (Qualtrics). Patients or Other Participants The survey link was emailed to 5000 certified ATs. A total of 772 responses were completed by certified ATs with clinical practice experience (15.4% response rate). Main Outcome Measure(s) Participants were asked to complete a survey about their practice patterns concerning patients with closed joint reductions, which included questions about the types of closed reductions ATs performed most commonly, the frequency of on-site reduction by ATs, and participants' demographic information. Additionally, the survey addressed the ATs' training and comfort level in performing closed reductions and knowledge of standing orders and the state practice act. Results Ninety percent (n = 694) of ATs reported ever performing a closed reduction (either with or without a physician present), with 10% (n = 78) stating they had never performed a joint reduction. The interphalangeal joint of the finger (73.2% of ATs), shoulder (63.3%), and patella (48.2%) were cited as the 3 most common reductions performed without a physician present. Only 46.5% (n = 359) of ATs indicated receiving training in joint-reduction techniques as part of their precertification athletic training curriculum or program; a greater percentage (64%) said they learned directly from a physician. Fewer than 60% of ATs reported having standing orders related to joint reductions. Conclusions Considering the high percentage of ATs who reported performing closed joint reductions and the low percentage with formal training, further development of joint-reduction training and standing orders is warranted.


2014 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 220-233 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cailee E. Welch ◽  
Bonnie L. Van Lunen ◽  
Dorice A. Hankemeier ◽  
Aimee L. Wyant ◽  
Jessica M. Mutchler ◽  
...  

Context: The release of evidence-based practice (EBP) Web-based learning modules to the membership of the National Athletic Trainers' Association has provided athletic trainers (ATs) the opportunity to enhance their knowledge of the various EBP concepts. Whereas increasing the knowledge of EBP among ATs is important, assessing whether this newfound knowledge is being translated into clinical practice and didactic education is crucial. Objective: To explore the effectiveness of an educational intervention regarding EBP on the didactic instruction patterns of athletic training educators and the clinical practice behaviors of clinicians. Design: Qualitative study. Setting: Individual telephone interviews. Patients or Other Participants: A total of 25 ATs (12 educators, 13 clinicians; experience as an AT = 16.00 ± 9.41 years) were interviewed. Data Collection and Analysis: We conducted 1 individual telephone interview with each participant. After transcription, the data were analyzed and coded into common themes and categories. Triangulation of the data occurred via the use of multiple researchers and member checking to confirm the accuracy of the data. Results: Participants perceived the EBP Web-based modules to produce numerous outcomes regarding education and clinical practice. These outcomes included perceived knowledge gain among participants, an increase in the importance and scope of EBP, a positive effect on educators' didactic instruction patterns and on instilling value and practice of EBP among students, and an enhanced ability among clinicians to implement EBP within clinical practice. However, some clinicians reported the Web-based modules had no current effect on clinical practice. Conclusions: Although the EBP Web-based modules were successful at enhancing knowledge among ATs, translation of knowledge into the classroom and clinical practice remains limited. Researchers should aim to identify effective strategies to help ATs implement EBP concepts into didactic education and clinical practice.


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