At Shrub Oak International School, the health and well-being of its students are paramount. With a 24/7, year-round Health and Wellness department, the school provides a comprehensive system of care designed to address each student’s medical and nursing needs, recognizing that their health is the foundation of learning, development, and emotional well-being. Michael Koffler of Shrub Oak International School explains that this robust program, supported by experienced healthcare professionals, goes beyond the conventional school nursing office by focusing on holistic and individualized care. Shrub Oak International School’s Health and Wellness team is an essential pillar in the support structure that serves its diverse student body, many of whom have complex medical needs.
One of the most distinguishing aspects of Shrub Oak International School’s Health and Wellness department is its continuous availability. The department operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. This constant coverage ensures that students have access to the medical attention they require no matter the time of day.
At the center of this department is a full-time Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP), who brings expertise in pediatric health care. The presence of a PNP ensures that students, whose developmental and medical needs are often multifaceted, receive specialized care. The department is further supported by a team of psychiatric nurse practitioners and a consulting psychiatrist, who offers expertise in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders.
Psychiatric support is especially critical at Shrub Oak International School, where autistic students often have additional related conditions that require mental health interventions. By having psychiatric and medical professionals on staff, Shrub Oak International School can manage the physical and emotional aspects of each student’s well-being in an integrated manner.
A large portion of the students at Shrub Oak International School rely on daily medication, which requires careful administration and monitoring. Shrub Oak International School’s nurses are experienced in medication management, ensuring students receive the correct dosages at the appropriate times while also monitoring for any side effects or changes in behavior or health that might arise from the medication.
Beyond daily medication management, Shrub Oak International School’s Health and Wellness team is adept at handling chronic medical conditions. Many students arrive with pre-existing health concerns, including asthma, epilepsy, and other chronic illnesses. The department’s nursing staff is highly trained in managing these conditions and works closely with students’ families and external healthcare providers to develop customized care plans. Michael Koffler of Shrub Oak International School explains that this collaborative approach helps ensure that each student’s medical needs are met and adjustments are made when required.
The nursing staff also provides first aid and emergency care, with protocols in place to address both minor injuries and more serious medical emergencies. Nurses are trained to stabilize a situation while determining if further medical intervention is necessary, including when to call local emergency services or arrange transportation to nearby hospitals.
An added benefit of Shrub Oak International School’s Health and Wellness department is its commitment to ensuring students receive care from local specialists when needed. Whether it’s an annual visit to a specialist or an emergency that requires specialized medical attention, Shrub Oak International School transports students to and from off-campus appointments. The department has forged strong relationships with local healthcare providers who are sensitive to the unique needs of Shrub Oak International School’s student population, including specialists in developmental disabilities, mental health, and chronic conditions.
The Health and Wellness team also provides a familiar face during off-campus appointments. Whether it is offering reassurance to a student or communicating with the specialist about a student’s health, history, and concerns, the team remains involved every step of the way. Michael Koffler of Shrub Oak International School understands that this support helps ease the anxiety students might feel about visiting doctors or undergoing medical procedures.
One of the greatest strengths of Shrub Oak International School’s Health and Wellness department is its ability to support medically fragile students. Many students at Shrub Oak International School have complex medical conditions, such as severe allergies, respiratory disorders, or neurological conditions. The staff is equipped to manage these more challenging medical situations with the highest levels of care and precision.
Shrub Oak International School’s expertise in handling these cases goes beyond simply providing care; it involves proactive planning and consistent communication with families, specialists, and other healthcare providers. This level of attention ensures that students with complex medical conditions can still engage fully in the academic and residential aspects of life at Shrub Oak, knowing that their medical needs are always prioritized.
A key component of Shrub Oak’s Health and Wellness program is the ongoing collaboration with students’ families. From the moment a student arrives, their family is considered an essential part of the care team. The Health and Wellness department works closely with each family to ensure a clear understanding of the student’s medical history, current health needs, and any ongoing medical treatments.
This collaboration is crucial to both families and Shrub Oak International School staff. Michael Koffler of Shrub Oak International School emphasizes that by maintaining open lines of communication, families are kept informed about their child’s health and well-being, and the staff can quickly address any concerns or changes that may arise. Regular updates, check-ins, and coordination of care are all part of the Health and Wellness team’s approach to ensuring that families remain actively involved in their child’s health journey.
For students with more complex needs, Shrub Oak International School’s Health and Wellness team takes extra measures to ensure that their care plans are followed meticulously. This includes the management of medication regimens, monitoring for signs of illness, and addressing any behavioral or physical changes that could indicate a need for further medical attention.
What truly sets Shrub Oak International School’s Health and Wellness department apart from a traditional school nursing department is its dedication to providing comprehensive, individualized care for students with a wide range of medical and mental health needs. The department does not operate in isolation but instead collaborates with educators, clinicians, and campus life staff to ensure that every aspect of a student’s life is considered in their health and wellness plan. The on-site nursing department includes an exam room so students are exposed to medical settings in a familiar, comforting environment with medical professionals they know and trust. This prepares them for off-campus medical appointments.
This holistic approach recognizes that health is not just about treating physical ailments but also about fostering emotional and psychological well-being. For many students at Shrub Oak International School, mental health concerns are closely intertwined with their physical health. The presence of psychiatric nurse practitioners and consulting psychiatrists ensures that mental health is given the same level of attention as physical health. In addition to the support provided by the Health and Wellness team, Shrub Oak International School has a robust clinical department staffed by psychologists, mental health clinicians, BCBAs, social workers, speech and language pathologists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists.
Additionally, Shrub Oak International School’s Health and Wellness team is proactive in promoting healthy lifestyles. Students are encouraged to engage in physical activity, maintain balanced nutrition, and develop healthy habits that support their overall well-being. Michael Koffler of Shrub Oak International School explains that these efforts contribute to the school’s mission of helping students reach their fullest potential, both academically and personally.
The Health and Wellness department at Shrub Oak International School plays a vital role in the lives of its students, ensuring that they receive the highest level of medical and emotional care. With a dedicated team of healthcare professionals, a commitment to individualized care, and a collaborative approach that includes families and specialists, the department sets a new standard for student health and safety. Shrub Oak International School’s students benefit from a program that goes far beyond the typical offerings of a school nursing department, focusing on holistic, 24/7 care that supports their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
For more information about Shrub Oak International School, visit www.shruboak.org.
