Athletic Trainer I

About the role

The Athletic Trainer I – Physician Practice develops, implements and maintains comprehensive health care programs for patients, clients and athletes. The practice of athletic training includes injury/illness prevention and wellness protection, clinical evaluation and recommendations for immediate and emergency care, treatment and rehabilitation, and organizational and professional health and well-being of individuals, all under the direction of a physician.

Responsibilities

• Provides clinical evaluation and assessment of an individual for an injury or illness (or both), the immediate care and treatment of an individual for an injury or illness (or both), and the rehabilitation and reconditioning of an individual's injury or illness (or both).
• Affords clinical support tasks as outlined on the Clinical Support Staff Scope of Practice document.
• Reviews patients' medical histories and applies them in evaluation, assessment and processes.
• Presents patient’s pertinent imaging and laboratory results.
• Performs wound management including, but not limited to, post-operative wounds, suture/staple removal, dressing care and appropriate first aid according to IHA protocols and the Clinical Support Staff Scope of Practice document.
• Applies appropriate crutch and brace fitting, cast and splinting using commercial or custom-made devices.
• Facilitates efficient and effective patient flow through the clinic utilizing professional ability and independent judgement.
• Collaborates with all healthcare professionals to ensure complete and thorough patient care.
• Responsible for efficiently screening patient needs via telephone and during visits according to IHA's Policies and Protocols.
• Directly enters medication, laboratory and radiology orders into the electronic medical record per state, local and professional guidelines, and divisionally approved processes and protocols.
• Tracks and informs patient of laboratory/diagnostic test results as directed by provider and according to IHA/office protocols; communicates with patient regarding provider instructions based on test results received.
• Administers prescribed medications and facilitates prescription renewals as directed by healthcare provider and done so as outlined on the Clinical Support Staff Scope of Practice document.
• Performs general specimen collection duties and/or assists with other office procedures/surgeries, as required; during the performance of these duties adheres to all IHA specified policies, procedures and safety precautions.
• Provides patient/family education as directed by healthcare provider.
• Takes and relays accurate, comprehensive, dated and signed messages in a timely manner.
• Serves as liaison between patient and healthcare provider, when necessary.
• Facilitates care coordination with resources for any social influencers of health needs.
• Ensures timely and courteous follow-up regarding patient questions.
• Cleans work area per IHA Environmental Cleaning Policy, examination rooms and equipment, as needed; performs limited maintenance of equipment.
• Affords assistance to existing orthopaedic clinical staff, according to Clinical Support Staff Scope of Practice document and identifies gaps in skills.
• Continues to develop their own skills by attending continuing education events and using the continuing education allowance to attend approved courses.

Qualifications

• Current State of Michigan Athletic Trainer License.
• NATA BOC Certification preferred.
• Valid American Heart Association CPR certification.

Skills

• Knowledge of patient care and organizational policies related to position responsibilities.
• Maintains a working knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations related to position responsibilities.
• Proficient/knowledgeable in medical terminology as it pertains to clinical documentation in medical record.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations needed during the course of performing essential job duties.
• Proficient in operating a standard desktop and Windows-based computer system, including but not limited to, electronic medical records, email, e-learning, intranet, Microsoft Word and Excel, and computer navigation.
• Ability to use other software as required while performing the essential functions of the job.
• Excellent communication skills in both written and verbal forms, including proper phone etiquette.
• Ability to speak before groups of people, either in-person or virtually.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment; displays courteous and friendly demeanor.
• Ability to work effectively with various levels of organizational members and diverse populations including IHA staff, providers, patients, family members, hospital staff, non-IHA providers and their staff.
• Ability to cross-train in other areas of practice in order to achieve smooth flow of all operations.
• Good organizational and time management skills to effectively juggle multiple priorities and time constraints.
• Ability to exercise sound judgement and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to handle patient and organizational information in a confidential manner.
• Knowledge of the compliance aspects of clinical care and patient privacy and best practices in medical office operations.
• Successful completion of IHA competency-based program within introductory and training period.
• Flexibility in hours to meet deadlines or patients’ schedules.
• Availability for some weekend and/or evening services or programs.
• Ability to travel to other office/practice sites, meeting/training locations, games, competitions and tournaments.