2/9/2019 0 Comments Reflective Journal #4I feel like trust is one of the components that makes our job so special. We are given ample opportunities to create relationships and build that trust with the athletes, something many other health professionals do not have the opportunity to do. Personally, I love taking advantage of this opportunity. When I first arrive with a team, I make an intentional effort to learn all of the athletes’ names. I feel that this is a very simple task, but it can make a lasting impression, especially with bigger teams where it is easy to feel like another number on the team. In most aspects of my life, I try to relate to people using humor. When I have been around the team long enough for them to get used to seeing me, I try to initiate conversation with humor, sort of like those ice breaker games without the awkwardness (although sometimes it’s still awkward). Eventually, by simply asking them about their days, where their from, chatting about their major, or making intentional conversation, it’s easy to see that the trust begins to grow. There is no better feeling than when an athlete chooses to approach you with their questions or for help; it feels as if you have taken the next step with the team.
I feel that establishing trust may be the most important step in the relationships with the athletes. As athletic trainers, it is already most people’s first reactions to doubt your knowledge and education due to the stereotype that surrounds the profession, AKA “professional water boys”. I have heard multiple times that all some athletes think we do is make ice bags and set up the water. Due to this stigma, it is important that we show them that we ARE invested in their lives and in their health while being vigilant about what we do to show that we are competent and capable of being great clinicians. When an athlete trusts us, they are more likely to buy in to the treatment or rehabilitation that we are providing them with, which will help the psychological aspect of the healing process. If an athlete does not have confidence in their athletic trainer, the athlete will constantly be hesitant to do what he or she says or trust their diagnosis. Additionally, I feel like this can put a lot of pressure on athletic trainers to be “perfect” because one wrong diagnosis can potentially ruin the trust that was established with the athlete.
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