How Do I... Cope With Death in the OR?
First Case Podcast
Death a heavy topic, and one we don’t talk about nearly enough. In this episode, Lindsey Joyce, CVOR nurse and First Case content creator shares her firsthand experiences with patient death in the operating room. From the emotional toll of trauma cases to the quiet aftermath of organ procurement, she offers insight, compassion, and practical advice for managing grief, supporting teammates, and preparing for the unexpected. Whether you’ve experienced this personally or are leading teams who have, this conversation is a powerful reminder that while death in the OR is rare, it’s real, and...
info_outline
How Do I... Prepare for the CST Exam?
First Case Podcast
Are you preparing for the CST exam or supporting someone who is? This week, we’re joined by Michelle Payne, President of the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), for an in-depth look at what it takes to succeed. Join us as Michelle breaks down what the CST exam really measures and how the questions are developed. We'll also discover the biggest mistakes candidates make and learn a few tips to prepare, reduce anxiety, and pass with confidence! Whether you're a surgical tech, student, educator, or leader in the perioperative space, this episode offers valuable...
info_outline
StreetClothes: The Mixologist
First Case Podcast
On this episode of StreetClothes, we speak with a clinician with a passion for serving up something smooth, stirred, and served straight up with a twist. From experimenting with unexpected ingredients to selecting the perfect glassware, this mixologist blends flavor and creativity into every cocktail she creates. Tune in to hear how Lindsey Joyce shakes off the day and stirs up something entirely her own—one pour at a time. If you like this series OR have an interesting side-hustle, passion project, or hobby you do outside of your hospital day job that keeps you inspired, refreshed, and...
info_outline
Don't Stop the Block: Transforming Pain Management with Regional Anesthesia
First Case Podcast
Surgery shouldn’t be a gateway to opioid addiction. In this First Case Articles on the Go episode, we explore how regional anesthesia and nerve blocks are transforming pain management, reducing opioid use, and improving surgical recovery. Listen now and find out why perioperative blocks are so important and how they're improving patient care. ----- Articles On-the-Go presents perioperative insights from written articles in a creative, easy to listen, audio format. Think audio book, meets busy Operating Room professional! #operatingroom #ornurse #scrubtech #surgery #perioperative...
info_outline
How Do I... Learn to Scrub?
First Case Podcast
Learning how to scrub isn’t as simple as just watching a few cases and picking it up as you go—at least, not if we’re committed to keeping our patients safe. In this week’s episode of First Case, we dive into the complexities of learning to scrub, whether you’re starting from scratch in a formal surgical tech program, getting on-the-job training, or you’re a nurse suddenly being asked to scrub in without the right background. We cover why muscle memory is critical, why knowing why we do what we do matters just as much as the how, and the risks of passing down bad habits because...
info_outline
How Do I... Engage Surgeons & Improve Workflow?
First Case Podcast
We desperately want our ORs to be efficient. So do our surgeons. So why does it feel like productive engagement and communication is often easier said than done? As daunting as it may sometimes seem, engaging with our surgeons is crucial to improving efficiency, communication, and collaboration in the OR. In this episode of First Case, we’re joined by orthopedic surgeon and DOCSI CMO Dr. Pearce McCarty, who offers an open and honest look at how perioperative staff can better engage with surgeons—without conflict, frustration, or being ignored. From the constant struggle with...
info_outline
StreetClothes: The Woodturner
First Case Podcast
On this episode of our StreetClothes human-interest podcast series, we talk to a healthcare professional who finds calm, clarity, and a spark of creativity behind the lathe. For him, woodturning is more than just a hobby—it’s a release, a reset, and a reminder that even a simple block of wood can become something beautiful with time, focus, and the right tools. Tune in to hear how Joseph Martin’s passion for woodturning brings a hands-on kind of balance to life beyond the hospital… If you like this series OR have an interesting side-hustle, passion project, or hobby you do outside of...
info_outline
Cover It & Keep Going: The Clear Solution for Smarter Perioperative Workflows
First Case Podcast
Staffing shortages and burnout have left many ORs struggling to stay efficient — but what if there was a simple solution that gave you time back while also protecting your sterile field? In today’s First Case Vendor Spotlight™, we’re going to learn all about this time and staff saving solution with Laurel Stebbins, Clinical Manager, and Alex Navlet, Clinical Consultant, with TIDI Products, along with Maria Candelaria, a perioperative nurse and current user of the Sterile-Z® drape. The Sterile-Z® is a game-changing drape that helps surgical teams stay efficient,...
info_outline
Flip Flops, Chaos, and Life-Saving Moments
First Case Podcast
In this week's Article On-the-Go, Lindsey Joyce, MSN, RN, CNOR, shares a humorous glimpse into her experiences as a nurse on call in the CVOR. Known among her colleagues for her “black cloud” reputation, Lindsey recounts rushing into ECMO emergencies in the middle of the night, sometimes in pajamas or flip flops, with no time to spare and lives on the line. She captures the organized chaos of setting up lifesaving procedures outside the OR, the importance of rapid teamwork, and the reality that in moments like these, appearance and routine take a back seat to the urgency of patient care....
info_outline
How Do I... Learn in the OR
First Case Podcast
It’s here! Season 16 of the First Case podcast has officially dropped! We’re kicking off the season with a raw and relatable conversation all about the questions we don’t always feel comfortable asking in the OR — but need to. In this episode, we'll dive into the daily uncertainties that even seasoned professionals face and how to navigate those “I have no idea what I’m doing” moments with humility, courage, and communication. From learning without looking “dumb,” to managing surgical surprises, to reshaping toxic OR culture — this one’s for every nurse, tech,...
info_outlineIt’s here! Season 16 of the First Case podcast has officially dropped!
We’re kicking off the season with a raw and relatable conversation all about the questions we don’t always feel comfortable asking in the OR — but need to. In this episode, we'll dive into the daily uncertainties that even seasoned professionals face and how to navigate those “I have no idea what I’m doing” moments with humility, courage, and communication.
From learning without looking “dumb,” to managing surgical surprises, to reshaping toxic OR culture — this one’s for every nurse, tech, or student who's ever whispered, “How do I…?”
Remember, asking questions shouldn’t be a weakness — it’s the first step toward safer care and stronger teams.
#operatingroom #nursing #ornurse #perioperative #perioperativenurse #ORCulture #SurgicalTech #NurseLife #ScrubTech #ORLearning