•  
  •  
 

Abstract

Purpose: Clinical leadership behaviors demonstrated by nurses delivering patient care are associated with improved patient outcomes and increased job satisfaction. Clinical leadership behaviors have not been studied in athletic training; therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate athletic trainers’ frequency of demonstrating these behaviors. Method: Participates completed an electronically distributed survey consisting of demographic variables, the Clinical Leadership Survey (CLS), and the Global Rating of Clinical Leadership Scale (GRCLS). Results: We found statistically significant differences between the CLS score of those in a supervisory role (M = 65.3 ± 5.4) and those who are not (M = 63.5 ± 5.5, mean difference = 1.8 ± 0.8, t (212) = 2.27, p = 0.02). A moderate positive correlation (r = 0.51, p < 0.001) exists between an individual’s CLS score and perceiving themselves as a clinical leader. A moderate positive correlation (r = 0.59, p < 0.001) exists between an individual’s CLS score and believing they demonstrate leadership behaviors in clinical practice. Conclusion: Athletic trainers in supervisory roles report demonstrating clinical leadership behaviors more often than those who are not. A discrepancy exists between athletic trainers’ reported frequency of demonstrating individual clinical leadership behaviors, their belief they are leaders, and their demonstration of leadership behaviors. The data suggest athletic trainers who are not in supervisory roles may believe, because they hold no positional authority, they are not clinical leaders. Organizations can implement strategies to promote clinical leadership in staff and improve patient outcomes.

Author Bio(s)

Tyler G. Vannucci, DAT, LAT, ATC, is a graduate of the Doctorate in Athletic Training Program at Indiana State University in Terre Haute, IN. He currently works as an athletic trainer in the secondary school setting in Pennsylvania.

Lindsey E. Eberman, PhD, LAT, ATC, is a Professor and Program Director in the Doctorate in Athletic Training program at Indiana State University in Terre Haute, IN.

Matthew J. Rivera, DAT, LAT, ATC, is an Assistant Professor and core faculty member in the Doctorate in Athletic Training program at Indiana State University in Terre Haute, IN.

Matthew J. Drescher, DAT, LAT, ATC, is a doctoral graduate assistant for the Doctorate in Athletic Training program at Indiana State University in Terre Haute, IN and is currently completing his PhD in Teaching and Learning at Indiana State University.

Justin P. Young, DAT, LAT, ATC, is a doctoral graduate assistant for the Doctorate in Athletic Training program at Indiana State University in Terre Haute, IN and is currently completing his PhD in Teaching and Learning at Indiana State University.

Kenneth E. Games, PhD, LAT, ATC, is the Acting Dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies at Indiana State University in Terre Haute, IN. He is also a Professor and the Director of Clinical Education in the Doctorate in Athletic Training program at Indiana State University.

DOI

10.46743/1540-580X/2023.2405

Share

 
COinS
 
 

To view the content in your browser, please download Adobe Reader or, alternately,
you may Download the file to your hard drive.

NOTE: The latest versions of Adobe Reader do not support viewing PDF files within Firefox on Mac OS and if you are using a modern (Intel) Mac, there is no official plugin for viewing PDF files within the browser window.