Student Life
Health and Wellness
West Nottingham Academy is equipped with a skilled team of healthcare professionals that provide a variety of wellness services including nursing care, counseling, athletic training, and nutritional education. The Director of Health Services, a clinician with 18 years of experience in the medical field, oversees and coordinates student needs to ensure the most effective, comprehensive care is delivered across the healthcare continuum. WNA’s healthcare team provides the most current, evidence-based practices to our community, where culturally competent care is at the forefront of every interaction.
Communication with parents is a key component to maintaining the overall health and wellness of our students. We value this partnership and encourage your interest in WNA’s healthcare team, services, and facilities. For questions regarding health and wellness at WNA, contact the Director of Health Services, Willow Gilcher, RN at 410-658-4954 or wgilcher@wna.org.
Communication with parents is a key component to maintaining the overall health and wellness of our students. We value this partnership and encourage your interest in WNA’s healthcare team, services, and facilities. For questions regarding health and wellness at WNA, contact the Director of Health Services, Willow Gilcher, RN at 410-658-4954 or wgilcher@wna.org.
Health Suite
Students in need of medical attention can visit the school’s registered nurse in the health center, easily accessible to all of campus. The nurse is available weekdays, 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., and is on-call for medical emergencies after school hours. The center is fully equipped to deliver comprehensive medical care for acute and chronic illnesses, some of which include headaches, colds, cuts, sprains, diabetes management, respiratory diseases, and seizure disorders.Through the delivery of specialized nursing care, the school nurse protects and promotes student health, facilitates optimal development, and advances academic success. Grounded in ethical and evidence-based practice, the nurse bridges health care and education, provides care coordination, advocates for quality student-centered care, and collaborates to design systems that allow individuals and communities to develop their full potential.
The health suite is equipped with a private two-bed infirmary, allowing the nurse to assess, monitor, and treat students one-on-one for minor ailments to more severe illnesses and injuries. Students requiring continuous care are managed in the infirmary and recovered under direct supervision of the nurse.
Health and wellness appointments are scheduled through the health suite. Students requiring nursing intervention are treated in the health center while more invasive treatments are referred to and scheduled with the appropriate medical professional. Transportation to medical appointments is coordinated through the health suite and provided by the school.
Insurance for international students is organized and managed by the school nurse. By providing our international student population with the most affordable and comprehensive insurance, students requiring appointments for routine wellness check-ups, acute illnesses and injuries, and chronic medical conditions receive full coverage and incur no additional costs.
Student medication schedules, including daily vitamins, over the counter medications, and prescriptions, are maintained by the school nurse. From newly prescribed medications to ongoing therapies, the school nurse works closely with our partnered pharmacy to ensure student medications are ordered, delivered, and administered on time and per physician orders.
WNA has secured valuable partnerships with several local healthcare facilities to service all our student’s health and wellness needs. These partnerships include a primary care facility with psychiatric and gynecological services, a pharmacy, physical therapy, dental and orthodontics, ophthalmology, neurology, podiatry, orthopedic/sports medicine, and hand specialist services. By establishing these strong community connections, the school nurse is able to provide continuity of care; a crucial element in the delivery of healthcare to obtain optimal patient outcomes. WNA’s partnerships with local medical facilities are key in supporting the proper growth and development of students in the boarding school setting.
All healthcare interactions with the school nurse are confidential and compliant with Maryland's privacy laws. If a health concern warrants legal reporting, the student’s parents or guardians are notified and appropriate authorities are always contacted to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the student.
Counseling
WNA provides mental health services for students via a licensed mental health practitioner who holds office hours each week. The counselor's primary role is to support the students with daily stressors, interpersonal relationships, and assessment of other mental health needs. In a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere, the counselor creates a safe environment for the students to explore teen issues, enhance emotional development, and strengthen communication strategies to assist them in coping with life away from home. By listening carefully, offering perspective and advice, the counselor is frequently able to help students navigate the social and academic challenges common to many adolescents and young adults. All discussions with the counselor are confidential and guided by Maryland's privacy laws unless it is determined there is a legal reporting requirement at which time, the appropriate authorities and parents are contacted. When necessary, students demonstrating significant needs are referred to the appropriate healthcare professionals off campus.Athletic Training
WNA provides a skilled sports medicine team to care for our student athletes. Our team of athletic trainers are certified by the NATABOC and licensed in the state of Maryland. They are responsible for keeping all parts of the team involved, communicating with the school nurse and coaches to make them aware of any student athlete injuries. Students requiring intervention for sports-related injuries can visit the athletic trainer during afterschool activities. WNA is equipped with a comprehensive athletic training room located in Ware Field House, where student receive services for a variety of acute and chronic athletic injuries. The athletic trainer works under the supervision of a physician in the following domains:- Prevention of injuries
- Recognition, evaluation and assessment of injuries
- Immediate care of injuries
- Treatment, rehabilitation and reconditioning
- Organization and administration
- Education and counseling
- Professional development and responsibility
Nutritional Services
WNA provides a unique nutrition option to students by offering independent nutritional services through the school’s registered dietician. Whether seeking advice for weight control, planning for healthier meals, or facing challenges of a dietary medical condition, students can access the registered dietician by appointment through the health suite. The registered dietitian provides individualized dietary guidance by evaluating personal goals and food choices, designing nutrition programs to promote and protect health, and educating students to address symptoms associated with many types of eating disorders and medical conditions. The school dietician counsels students on nutrition issues and healthy eating habits, assists with developing meal plans, and evaluates the effects of meal plans, altering choices when necessary to achieve successful outcomes. By empowering students through nutritional education and providing support to achieve their goals, WNA’s registered dietician is essential for the overall health and wellness of our school community.
