David Kochnower

• Examined pre- and post-operative patients, ordered and interpreted testing to confirm diagnosis and plans. Referred to and consulted with physicians and other healthcare providers on patient care and implementation of accurate treatment plans.
• Assisted physicians during Robotic Assisted and open General, Colorectal, Gynecologic and Urologic surgeries, as well as assisting on Neurosurgical, Orthopedic, Plastic, and Vascular surgeries.
• Performed other associated bedside procedures and wound care, including surgical drain management, placement and trouble shooting of wound-vac and ostomy appliances, and placement of NG tubes as needed to treat patients appropriately and safely.
• Educated patients on variety of infectious disease issues, proper nutrition, surgical recovery and rehabilitation plans, wound care and smoking cessation to improve overall health and wellness.

• Referred to and consulted with physicians and other healthcare providers on pre- and post- operative inpatient care, including pain control, lumbar and external ventricular drain management and wound care duties.
• Rapidly analyzed and responded to critical situations such as neurological emergency situations.
• Ordered and interpreted diagnostic testing to confirm diagnosis and implement accurate treatment plans.
• Assisted physicians during new patient consults and neurosurgical procedures in the OR and at bedside, to treat patients appropriately and safely.
• Educated patients on variety of infectious disease issues, surgical recovery and rehabilitation, wound care and smoking cessation to improve overall health and wellness.

During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic I was assigned to the St Charles COVID ICU for 10 weeks where I was trained in management of ventilated, sedated patients including placement of central venous catheters and arterial lines as well as assisting in emergent bedside intubations.

(For other duties see description of St Catherine's of Siena above, as same details for each hospital).

• Evaluated procedure needs and set up equipment, tools, supplies, and instruments.
• Delivered exemplary assistance and support to surgeons during Robotic assisted and open General, Colorectal, Gynecological, and Urologic surgeries, and Orthopedic, Neurological, Plastic, Thoracic, and Vascular surgical procedures.
• Introduced new staff members and students to training protocols regarding operating room procedures, infection control, safety standards, and overall facility policies.
• Maintained specialty equipment, implant, and instrumentation inventories.