Athletic Trainer / Orthopedics

Athletic Trainer opportunity at Children’s, the region’s only full-service pediatric healthcare center. Cultivate your passion, purpose, and professional development in an environment of excellence and inclusion where team members are supported and deeply valued. Join a highly engaged, caring team providing brighter, healthier tomorrows for the children we serve.

About the role

Practices according to the NATABOC standards of professional practice and complies with all legal requirements regulating the practice of athletic training. Manages patient needs within a clinic setting under physician direction, providing athletic training intervention by reviewing, revising, and implementing techniques or discharging services as appropriate. Documents evaluation, intervention, and health status changes as required. Participates in the education of student athletic trainers and performs duties at special events as requested.

Responsibilities

• Conducts holistic, age-specific patient/family assessments upon visit and ongoing reassessments according to defined standards and protocols.
• Collects and documents data related to patient’s physical, mental, developmental, emotional, and social condition.
• Demonstrates age-specific competency in assessment, interpreting information in terms of patient needs, and understanding growth and development.
• Assesses family expectations and involvement in care; communicates plan of care clearly to patient/family.
• Identifies need for physician involvement or potential changes in plan of care; coordinates continuity of care.
• Facilitates timely communication between patient/family and healthcare disciplines; returns phone calls within the same business day.
• Reviews patient charts to ensure completion of tests, consultations, procedures, and follow-ups; follows up on lab results within 48 hours.
• Considers cultural, cognitive, emotional, and social influences on patient/family readiness to learn; documents all teaching in the EMR.
• Works with physicians, physician assistants, nurses, medical assistants, and physical therapists to provide treatments to injured children.
• Gathers and conveys patient information to physicians; assists in maintaining clinic workflow and customer expectations.
• Instructs patients and families in therapeutic exercise and develops individualized Home Exercise Programs.
• Provides walker/crutch/gait training and acts as a liaison between physicians, patients, parents, therapists, and coaches regarding rehabilitation and return-to-play status.
• Communicates with patients, parents, therapists, and coaches to ensure proper injury and post-surgical care.
• Performs specialized projects, tasks, or office functions as negotiated with management; coordinates smooth clinic functioning.
• Develops and implements injury and illness prevention strategies for athletes; provides sports injury prevention instruction to patients, parents, and coaches.
• Creates evidence-based education programs for sport-specific, gender-specific, or injury-specific conditions; presents programs to the community.
• Communicates effectively with patients, parents, providers, and the community using professional, clear language.
• Applies therapeutic modalities as prescribed in accordance with Nebraska state law and NATABOC standards.
• Performs pediatric orthopedic clinical support functions, including ordering supplies, maintaining inventory, and applying/adjusting casts, splints, and traction equipment.
• Modifies and replaces casts under provider direction; instructs patients in caring for injuries and using assistive devices.
• Develops educational materials for patients and families about casts and immobilization care.
• Records and reports accurate evaluation and treatment details; ensures medical record entries are reviewed and signed by the supervising physician.
• Assists orthopedic providers with treatment plans; instructs and supervises residents, medical students, and PA students in casting and splinting techniques.
• Trains new employees in cast removal, application, and use of DME; ensures cast-related equipment is in proper working order.
• Assists with removal of superficial orthopedic hardware; provides post-operative care including cast/splint changes and wound care.
• Contributes to facility, operations, and program development supporting a comprehensive sports medicine/orthopedic service line.
• Shares knowledge and expertise with team members; participates in educational opportunities and student supervision.
• Develops and maintains relationships with internal and external professionals, including physicians, coaches, and sports organizations.
• Provides sideline coverage for outreach athletic training as needed for contracted schools or events.
• Actively participates in team meetings, identifying opportunities for improvement and contributing to new programs and processes.
• Supports organizational strategic imperatives and marketing efforts to position the facility as a leader in youth sports medicine.
• Performs treatments, procedures, and medication administration under licensed practitioner direction.
• Regular attendance and ability to perform physical requirements of the role are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Athletic Training or an accredited program by the NATA-BOC (equivalent work experience may substitute).
• Master’s Degree in a related field preferred.
• 1-3 years of experience working as an athletic trainer in orthopedics/sports medicine required.

Skills

• Knowledge and experience in administering assessment tools, treatment plans, and equipment.
• Knowledge of athletic training principles, pediatric care, and orthopedic support functions.
• Strong communication, organizational, and analytical skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and support professional development.