© 2009 national athletic trainers association (800)try-nata law enforcement fairfax county a day...

© 2009 National Athletic Trainers’ Associationwww.nata.org (800)TRY-NATA

Law EnforcementFairfax County

A Day in the Life of a Certified Athletic Trainer…


After working 28 years as a high school teacher and athletic trainer, volunteering with the USOC, US Lacrosse and numerous other groups needing adjunct health care in the athletic arena, Nancy Burke, MS, ATC decided to take her career where few athletic trainers have gone before – Law Enforcement.

Burke launched a pilot athletic training program in 2005 and has since become a staple for health care with Fairfax County Law Enforcement. In her short time with the force, Burke has become a valuable and integral part of the health care team.

Employers say that her presence has streamlined communications between the health care team, helped to reduce recovery times of injuries sustained on the job and helped to increase overall morale of the force.

REASONS BURKE RECOMMENDS OTHERS CONSIDER WORKING IN LAW ENFORCEMENT:

– Re-energizes you

– Makes one use skills, education and practices in a new setting

– People who serve in public safety are some of the least medically cared for when it comes to chronic musculoskeletal injuries

WHY DID BURKE CHOOSE THIS SETTING?

“I ended up working in this setting because this is a black hole in health care. These folks run in when others run away. They at the least deserve the same level of care that we give our high

school and collegiate athletes.”

Read on to find out what a day is like in the life of Nancy Burke: law enforcement athletic trainer.



I am an Athletic Trainer Working in Law Enforcement

NAME: Nancy C. Burke

Credentials MS, ATC

JOB TITLE: Athletic Trainer

EMPLOYED BY: Fairfax County Police

Department

JOB LOCATION: Fairfax County, VA.

NATA NOTE:In 2007, NATA had 304 members

working in Government/Law/Military


Fairfax County ATs: An Overview

Pilot program launched in 2005

One athletic trainer was hired to provide care to only the academy recruits

In January 2006 the athletic trainer began working with 1/3 of the police stations

The full program began in March 2006


Fairfax County: Staff

Over 2,000 employees

One certified athletic trainer

The athletic trainer is the only employee providing this type of health care to the county

NATA Note: This population ratio is very similar to an athletic trainer

working in secondary schools.


Fairfax County – Patients

THE PEOPLE I TREAT:– Pre-hires (Age 18-20)– Law Enforcement

Recruits (Age 21+)– Officers (Age 22+)– Civilians (Age 21+)

PATIENT AGE RANGE: 18 - 60+

MOST COMMON INJURIES:Musculoskeletal and inflammation of all kinds


An Athletic Trainer in Law Enforcement

TYPICAL SCHEDULE FOR MY JOB:

Monday, Friday – ( 6:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.)

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday– (12:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.)

30 hours per week


Educational Background

MY ATHLETIC TRAINING EXPERIENCE LEVEL IS:

This is not an entry level position. I recommend a minimum of 5 years as a Head Athletic Trainer.

– Bachelor’s in Health, Physical Education(James Madison University)

– Master of Science(Eastern Kentucky University)

– ATC


A Day in the Life of a Law Enforcement Athletic Trainer

SALARY RANGE:– $45,000 - $75,000

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:

– Benefits Package includes - Health and Dental Insurance

- Annual and Sick Leave

- Paid Holidays

- Retirement Plans

- Deferred Compensation Plan

- Tuition Assistance

- Child Care Center

NATA Note: The average salary for NATA members

working in Government/Law Enforcement is: $50, 716

( NATA 2005 Salary Survey)


Employer Testimonial: Value of ATs

WHY IS THERE A NEED FOR ATHLETIC TRAINERS IN LAW ENFORCEMENT? Here at the academy, we run into the issue of officers getting injured. If these injuries are not

evaluated individuals get recycled (dismissed from the program). Having someone on staff to provide appropriate medical care – like our athletic trainer – is most helpful.

PLEASE EXPLAIN HOW AN ATHLETIC TRAINER IS BENEFITING YOUR ORGANIZATION. We have seen an increase in employee morale and fewer injuries. This has been a direct benefit to

us because we have decreased insurance costs and have improved our efficiency. We have seen an increase in morale and an extreme increase in the utilization of on-site health

care. Nancy is able to evaluate the recruits, treat them quickly and help to get them back into the training cycle without disruption.

WHAT IMPROVEMENTS HAVE YOU SEEN SINCE AN ATHLETIC TRAINER JOINED YOUR TEAM? We have seen in increase in overall morale and physical readiness. The staff is more mobile and

flexible. All of this equates to cost savings for the agency because we don’t have lost time from work due to rehabilitation and workers comp claims. We are actually saving money.

PLEASE COMMENT ON HOW THE ATHLETIC TRAINER SKILL SETS ARE A GOOD FIT WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT It is a win/win for the athletic trainer and the organization. When you put the two together, working

in a comprehensive physical fitness plan, you keep the recruits more healthy, flexible and agile. Recruits are less susceptible to injuries and we have a reduced recovery time.

-Major Tyrone R. MorrowDirector, Fairfax County Criminal Justice [email protected]


Employer Testimonial…Part 2THE BENEFITS OF OUR ATHLETIC TRAINER

She is so skilled at working to get our people into the physician immediately, rather than waiting for an appointment. She has prevented serious injuries and has allowed people to return to work.

Our athletic trainer’s skills have proven to return people to work quicker, and the initial triage of an injury does not rise to the level of an injury that precludes them from becoming sidelined. Nancy is able to provide care to the injury quickly rather than them waiting and it getting worse.

We have seen an increase in employee morale and less injuries. This has been a direct benefit to us because we have decreased insurance costs and have improved our efficiency.

“We are keeping a long running super bill of her services from the risk

management perspective and the potential cost of the injuries sustained here. We already

demonstrated that the athletic trainer's salary pays for itself because of the money

we save in terms of productivity.”

-Major Edwin Roessler

Commander, Administrative Support Bureau


Daily DutiesMORNING DUTIES:

Arrive– Check for overnight on-duty injury

reports via email.

Setup– Check equipment, materials and

e-mail.

Appointments– Sworn officers arrive, evaluate,

re-evaluate, provide modality exercise rehabilitation strategies, health care advice, nutrition advice, psychological referrals and physician referrals.

Documentation– After appointments, document

information in database, contact physicians and therapy clinics for follow-up care and to keep all informed. The goal is to work together for the officer.


Daily Duties Continued Check with squad leaders to see how

recruits are doing

Provide assessments on differing conditions affecting recruits

Provide information on garnering family physicians and specialists for those who have moved into the area

Nutrition, fitness and prevention of injury

Prevention and care of muscle soreness, sleep issues

Notification to staff of recruit duty status (light duty, no duty, no limitations)


Other Special Assignments Interact with the department psychologist, risk

management on a weekly basis, commanders on a bi-weekly basis and academy staff weekly

Quarter reports to newly established Wellness Committee -Wellness Committee personnel: AT, commanders, risk management, Academy coordinators, medical director of FCPD

Satisfaction survey for department in regards to the Injury Care and Prevention Program

Outfitting the clinic with state of the art equipment and supplies

Development of “Grip Strength” PowerPoint for new hires and those who need it

Budgeting

Developing a template for position development

Work with the major on Family Leave Manual


Working with IT to develop a Police Injury Management System (PIMS)

Working with IT to develop a injury-reporting system so supervisors can notify athletic trainers and administrators of injuries as they occur

Research into chronic pain, working with physicians that are on the workers’ compensation panel and family physicians

Currently working on cleanliness of the weight rooms, locker and shower facilities at all district stations/academy with Facilities Management of Fairfax County

Other Special Assignments


Essential Skill Sets Ability to research heavily on

issues related to law enforcement- specifically risk factors that lead to chronic or traumatic injury in this population

Computer skills with Word, Excel, PowerPoint; experience with any injury database system

Communication skills both oral and written

Must be fit or willing to get fit


Additional Helpful Credentialing/Knowledge

• This is not an entry position

• Master of Science Degree is a requirement

• Experience in leading a program

• Experience in a variety of sport settings is excellent – especially contact sports

• Must be a certified athletic trainer and licensed/registered in the state


Major Issues Facing Me

Educating law enforcement and public safety officials about the excellent relationship that can exist between their departments and athletic trainers

Establishing how an athletic trainer can provide effective services

Reinforcing the benefit of athletic training to employees


Essential Skill Sets

Ability to communicate orally and in writing

Ability to use a computer – Microsoft Office and injury database programs

Positive attitude

Ability to seek out answers from a variety of resources

Resourceful: Individual must have the ability to scrounge supplies and equipment from donations/funds or find other new and innovative revenue resources


Quality of LifeTHE PAST I have sat on benches at all kinds of fields in all kinds of weather

wearing all kinds of gear; dealing with wet and frozen supplies – wet, sweaty, frozen, heavily equipped athletes and would not change that experience for the world.

I have worked 20 hr days repeatedly – have worked 7 days a week.

THE PRESENT I have a set schedule – granted it rotates to provide for all three shifts

but for the most part, I am indoors in a clinic with a great window overlooking a pond!

I have a 24/7 cell phone which can be a bother once in a while but after all, athletic trainers are used to 24/7 contact.

I work hand-in-hand with the Safety Officer (responsible for safe police actions Workers’ Comp Panel of Physicians and the office of the Medical Director of the Department).

Employees are grateful there is someone they can come discuss old and new medical issues with, and there is no co-pay. Their medical issues are taken seriously and there is follow-through on their care. I have been given the tools to do the job.


Cost of Living Issues

The department picks up most all costs – clothing, fuel if going from one facility to another and equipment and supplies

Northern Virginia is suburban Washington, DC so living costs are high in general, ergo the salary range


What I Wish I Knew Before This JobI WISH I KNEW… That county government moves slowly; however

police are very appreciative of the efforts made to keep them healthy.

Law enforcement terms are different and take time to learn them.

How the non-athletic world knows very little about athletic training and sports medicine.

Discovered that I needed to get out to the range and learn the mechanics of shooting a handgun and a shotgun. It is beneficial in terms of strength and power requirements post injury.



Key Resources to Learn More!COMMON WEBSITES I VISIT ARE:

– NATA.org– NFHS.org– NCAA.org– American Heart Association– American Diabetes Association– IACP.org– Medline

ASSOCIATIONS/ORGANIZATIONS I AM INVOLVED WITH INCLUDE:– NATA– US Lacrosse– Fairfax County Athletic Trainers– Academy of Sports Dentistry

CONFERENCES AND SYMPOSIUMS RELATING TO MY JOB INCLUDE: – MRSA (George Mason Univ, Jan 2007)– NATA Clinical Symposium


…More ResourcesBOOKS I HAVE FOUND HELPFUL ARE: – Orthopedic Physical Assessment, Magee 4th ed.– Special Tests of Orthopedic Examination, Konin 3rd ed.– Therapeutic Modalities, Starkey 3rd ed– Evaluation of Orthopedic and Athletic Injuries, Starkey

1st ed.– Atlas of Human Anatomy, Netter 1st ed.

OTHER REFERENCES I USE INCLUDE:– Athletic Therapy Today– NATA Journal of Athletic Training– Training and Conditioning– VHI PC-Kits– SportsWare


Learn more at www.nata.org

Visit Career Development Resources on NATA Web site and find:

- Videos- Brochures- PowerPoint Presentations- Studies- Marketing Materials- Advisors to assist with your specific questions*NATA members only section

http://www.nata.org/members1/CareerDevelopment/index.cfm

Visit Career Development Resources TODAY

© 2008 National Athletic Trainers’ Associationwww.nata.org

(800)TRY-NATA


Still need more information about Athletic Trainers in Law Enforcement?

Contact the NATA National Office Staff:Kathryn Ayres, PR and Marketing Coordinator [email protected] | 800-879-6282 ext. 138

Write to Nancy Burke: [email protected]


Looking for a JOB? Want to hire an athletic

trainer?

www.nata.org/careercenter

Visit the NATA Career Center today and find resources to help you find a job or hire an athletic trainer.

© 2008 National Athletic Trainers’ Associationwww.nata.org

(800)TRY-NATA

http://www.nata.org/careercenter

© 2009 national athletic trainers association (800)try-nata law enforcement fairfax county a day...

Documents

athletic arena

head athletic trainer

trynata slide

nata members

fairfax county law enforcement

county nata note

trynata fairfax county

law enforcement recruits