Monday, February 20, 2012

Pulling Kids Out - How We Cope

As we near the end of another season, our teams are wearing down.  This is the time where a lot of injuries can occur simply because kids are worn out and tired, and unfortunately sometimes this means season ending injuries.  This is difficult for everyone, be it the athlete, the parents, the coaches, the team, or even you the athletic trainer. 

In a lot of instances, the athletic trainer tends to get the raw deal in this situation.  At the end of the day, you're the one making the call of "yes, you can play in your last game as a senior" or "no, your butt gets to sit right here next to me on this bench."  Unfortunately the call we make as athletic trainers is not always the one that everyone wants to hear.  When we have to make the butt on the bench decision, it often results in hurt feelings, upset kids, angry parents, and cranky coaches. 

It can be difficult to cope with at times, especially when you're sitting in the training room with a kid you've watched grow up for four years who won't even look at you for the words that just came out of your mouth.  If you've reached the end of your leash and are just at ends with yourself, try one of these:

Share with your athlete: Who doesn't have students trying to add them on Facebook or get your number so they can text bomb you at all hours?  I found that creating a Twitter account specifically for my students is not only a good way to quell this burning desire to invade their athletic trainer's personal life, but it is also a good way for kids to get in touch with you when they aren't in school.  A kid with a season ending injury is going to want to talk about it, and having the option to contact you whenever they need to is reassuring both to them and to you as well.

Keep perspective: In the eyes of your teenage athlete, a season ending injury is a life ending injury.  Remember what it was like to be in high school and coming to the end of your season?  Those games were the most important things in your life at the time.  For your athlete with an injury, be it a torn meniscus, a radius fracture, a concussion, or something else, it can feel like you are taking part of their life away, and they will not be shy about sharing that with you.  Keeping things in perspective is a good way for you to cope, even if it doesn't calm your kid down.  You're keeping that torn meniscus from being severe arthritis down the road, and that concussion from becoming permanent brain damage. 

Get the team doctor involved: Sometimes things don't sink in until people hear them from someone who has the initials MD following their name.  A kid with a season-ending injury typically needs to see the doctor anyhow, but the doctor can also be a reinforcer.  If they've already seen the doctor and they're still attempting to negotiate for one minute of play time, it can't hurt to bring the doctor back in for a second discussion on why it is not a good idea to play basketball with a full ACL tear.

If all else fails, talk to someone:  Like in all medical professions, athletic trainers can easily suffer burnout.  The chances of this are way more likely if you've had a year with a lot of big injuries and a lot of really disappointed kids.  It sucks to have to tell a kid who trusts you that they can't play, be it for a few days or for the rest of the season.  Talking to your fellow athletic trainers (within HIPPA regulations of course) can make things a little easier.  If you're still uneasy about something, you can always see a therapist.  While this might seem extreme, I know many ATCs who do this.  There is a lot of stress and drama involved with athletics, especially if you're in a high school.  No one would blame you for having to talk it out with someone!

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