By Ashley Williams
● Answering 2 a.m. calls from athletes and taking them to the E.R. in the middle of the night
● Working a full week of back-to-back 10+ hour days
● Walking 10k+ steps two thirds into the shift, while rearranging schedules to accommodate supervisors’ availability, for technician evaluations
● Following up with 30+ technicians among several different departments
These are a few scenarios some ATs would describe as simply being Who We Are and What We Do. Other ATs have begun to realize that stronger boundaries should be set. Ultimately, we must decide what works best for us!
Recently, my colleagues and I discussed the challenges Athletic Trainers have with setting boundaries. The common theme was clear: we are professionals; we are passionate individuals; we care for the overall well-being of our athletes and technicians; and we love to serve others. With these characteristics, being a cheerful giver of time comes naturally. Once again, it is simply Who We Are.
We also agreed that changes in our personal lives, such as starting a family or pursuing further education, might require adjustments in our work schedules. In stages of life where we have fewer responsibilities outside of work, it can be very easy to spend an exorbitant amount of time with the team. However, continuing at this pace is highly unsustainable and can lead to burnout, especially when our lifestyles evolve. That’s why it’s important to have boundaries in place.
When we build strong relationships of trust, knowledge, and consistency, we earn the respect of our athletes/ technicians. When working with young adults who are far from home, experiencing adulthood for the first time, our role may even become more of a parent figure. Athletes/technicians learn to confide in us because of the safe space that has been created. From the beginning, we set goals and expectations, post available work hours, identify locations for in-person meetings, and share all the various ways to communicate. We even provide resources for when we are not available. There are many circumstances that foster strong bonds with athletes, but the one tough question remains: where do we draw the line?
Maintaining a healthy balance between building trust with athletes/technicians and taking care of one’s own well-being is crucial. Self-care goes beyond mental and physical well-being. It encompasses various aspects of our lives, including emotional, social and spiritual health. By addressing these various aspects, self-care helps create a balanced and fulfilling life. We must stand firm on the parameters we set for ourselves, and even learn, in some cases, how to say no. As we have all heard so many times before, you cannot pour from an empty cup. It’s important to set boundaries and ensure time is allowed for self-care. This not only helps us stay healthy, but it enables us to be more effective and present for our athletes/technicians.