Thanksgiving Top 10
First Case Podcast
It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving is next week! As we head into the holiday, it’s a good time to reflect on the many things we’re grateful for, both personally and professionally. In the latest First Case Articles on the Go, Melanie highlights a thoughtful (and relatable) Top 10 list of things we appreciate most about working in the operating room. 👉 Take a moment to listen to the full article and consider what you’re most thankful for in your own practice this year! ----- Articles On-the-Go presents perioperative insights from written articles in a creative, easy to...
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The Truth About Instrument Reprocessing Times
First Case Podcast
This week on First Case, we’re joined by Bobby Parker from Beyond Clean to tackle a major perioperative myth: instrument reprocessing is quick and easy. Using real workflow examples and years of SPD leadership experience, Bobby breaks down the full lifecycle of an instrument tray, from decontam to assembly to sterilization, and explains why a safe, compliant turnaround simply can’t be rushed. Tune in to learn more about what really happens in sterile processing, why safe turnaround times matter, and how better OR–SPD collaboration can prevent delays and protect patients. ...
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NPO After Midnight: Fact or Fiction?
First Case Podcast
We’ve all heard it: “Nothing to eat or drink after midnight.” But what if that long-standing rule isn’t the best thing for our patients? In this week’s episode of First Case, we sit down with Lisa Spruce, Senior Director of Evidence-Based Perioperative Practice at AORN, to challenge one of the most ingrained habits in surgical care. Together, we'll walk through the research behind Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols, evidence-based practices designed to optimize patients before, during, and after surgery. From preoperative nutrition to multimodal pain management and...
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Surgeons, Supplies, and the Myth of Unlimited Choice
First Case Podcast
Behind every product on the OR shelf is a story of collaboration, evaluation, and evidence-based decision-making, not just a surgeon’s request. This week we sit down with Joe Chua, OR Nurse and Value Analysis Professional from Dallas, Texas, to unpack the complex process of how surgical products make it from idea to implementation. Together, we'll explore the intersection of clinical practice and supply chain strategy, the importance of communication between teams, and the critical role of value analysis in supporting patient safety and financial stewardship. If you’ve ever wondered...
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Who Do Scrubs Really Work Under? Busting A Common OR Myth
First Case Podcast
A long-standing myth in the operating room continues to circulate is that surgical technologists work under the license of the OR nurse. In this week’s episode of First Case, we’re setting the record straight. Tune in as we speak with Angel Pickett, Surgical Technology Program Director at Connecticut State Community College, Gateway Campus. Together, we'll explore: The education, training, and certification requirements for surgical technologists The true scope of practice and delegation under surgeon supervision How clear understanding of roles strengthens collaboration and...
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Battling Burnout in Nursing
First Case Podcast
In the high-stakes world of the operating room, precision, teamwork, and focus are essential, but so is taking care of ourselves. In this week's article, Melanie Perry explores the signs of burnout, its impact on patient safety, and shares practical steps every nurse can take to protect their mental health and preserve their passion for patient care. From recognizing early warning signs to building resilience and reclaiming balance, this article reminds us that we can’t pour from an empty cup. Tune in now! #operatingroom #perioperative #ornurse #scrubtech #nurse #burnout
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Shellfish Allergy Does Not Equal Betadine Allergy
First Case Podcast
🦐 Shellfish Allergy ≠ Iodine Allergy! 🧴 For decades, perioperative teams have avoided iodine-based prep solutions for patients with shellfish allergies, but what if that long-held precaution wasn't necessary? In this week’s episode of First Case, we’re talking with Laila Bailey, Service Leader for Pediatrics and Urology at Inova Fairfax Hospital, about the myth linking shellfish allergies to iodine and Betadine. Laila shares her personal story, the history behind the misconception, and the research proving there’s no real connection. 🎧 Tune in to bust the myth, protect your...
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Eye-Opening Solutions: Rethinking Ophthalmology Practices with ONE TRAY
First Case Podcast
In the fast-paced world of ophthalmology, efficiency shouldn’t come at the cost of best practice. The good news? There are proven solutions that eliminate risky practices while still keeping up with high case volumes. In this First Case Vendor Spotlight™, we sit down with Barbara Ann Harmer, Vice President of Clinical Services with ONE TRAY®/IST, to talk about ophthalmology, toxic anterior segment syndrome (TASS), and the dangerous shortcuts that some facilities still take to keep up with volume. Barbara shares eye-opening stories from her visits to facilities across the...
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Working Outside Your Service Line, The More You Know
First Case Podcast
When was the last time you stepped outside your service line? In this week’s Articles on the Go, Lindsey Joyce, MSN, RN, CNOR, shares her story of working outside her cardiac specialty, and the unexpected lessons that came with it. From scrubbing a gallbladder case to circulating a robotic procedure, Lindsey reminds us that staying well-rounded isn’t just good for our patients, it’s essential for our careers. Working in the operating room is full of surprises. Keeping your skills sharp across specialties helps you stay flexible, confident, and ready for whatever comes next. 🎧...
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Room Temp Reality: Evidence, Guidelines, & Practice
First Case Podcast
Is a cold OR really better for patient infection prevention, or is it just another myth we’ve been holding onto for too long? In this week’s episode, we’re joined by Garret Hollenbeak, System Infection Preventionist at Bon Secours Mercy Health and Editor-in-Chief of our sister podcast, Transmission Control. Together, we dig into the science behind temperature management in the OR, breaking down the difference between room temperature and patient temperature, the importance of maintaining normothermia, and how factors like humidity, staff comfort, and infection prevention all...
info_outlineDeath 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 we must be equipped to process it with empathy and care.
Tune in to learn more.
#operatingroom #ornurse #scrubtech #surgery #perioperative #podcast