Operation Collaboration: Pharmacy - Medication Safety in Motion
First Case Podcast
Have you ever wondered what really happens behind the ‘black door’ between the OR and pharmacy? 👀💊 In this week’s First Case interview, we sit down with Zahara, an experienced inpatient pharmacist from San Diego, to uncover the unseen work that keeps surgical care safe and moving. From medication shortages and regulatory compliance to constant audits, refills, and real-time problem solving, Zahara shares how pharmacy and the OR intersect every single day, and why better communication can remove barriers and protect patients on both sides of the red line. #operatingroom...
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Operation Collaboration: The Lab - Partners in Precision
First Case Podcast
This week our Operation: Collaboration season continues with a deep dive into the often-unseen world of the Lab. In this episode, former laboratory associate supervisor turned OR nurse Anna Goodman bridges both sides of the specimen cup, breaking down cultures versus permanents, demystifying frozen sections, and explaining how real-time communication between the OR, pathology, and blood bank can directly shape surgical decisions and patient outcomes. From “deli slicer” histology humor to the critical role of accurate labeling and coordination, this conversation highlights just how...
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Operation Collaboration: Sterile Processing - The Foundation of Surgical Readiness
First Case Podcast
Sterile processing doesn’t run on magic, despite what we may sometimes think. In today's interview, we're joined by Angela Benson, a sterile processing education specialist, to talk about what really happens to our instruments long before they ever reach the back table. From decontamination and assembly to sterilization, documentation, and case cart build, this conversation pulls back the curtain on the complex, detail-driven work that makes surgery possible. We also dive into common points of miscommunication, misconceptions about SPD, and how simple things, like better communication,...
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Scope of Innovation: Single-Use Solutions for Surgical Success
First Case Podcast
Perfect imaging every time. No repairs. No reprocessing. Could single-use arthroscopes be the answer? On this special Beyond Clean, First Case, Power Supply, and Transmission Control Vendor Spotlight™ co-release episode, we're joined by Rich McKillop, CEO of Pristine Surgical, to explore how their Summit™ 4K Single-Use Arthroscope is redefining what efficiency looks like in the OR. Learn how this single-use solution delivers consistent 4K image clarity while eliminating the time, labor, and costs associated with scope reprocessing and repairs. Through smart, cloud-connected technology...
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Operation Collaboration: Radiology - Visualizing Surgical Success
First Case Podcast
Radiology is one of those departments that we rely on every single day in the OR, but don’t always stop to think about how much coordination is required for our two departments to work together. In this second episode of Operation: Collaboration, we sit down with April Hughes, a radiologic technologist, to explore how radiology supports surgical care before, during, and after the procedure. From juggling limited C-arms and tracking constantly changing schedules to the importance of real-time communication between departments, this conversation is a reminder that safe, efficient surgical care...
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Cancelled Flight vs Cancelled Case
First Case Podcast
What does a canceled flight have in common with a canceled surgical case? More than you might think. In today's article, Lindsay Joyce, MSN, RN, CNOR shares a personal travel story that unexpectedly reframed how she thinks about case cancellations by seeing them through the patient’s perspective. Through delays, rebookings, confusion, and loss of control, she draws a powerful parallel between airline disruptions and the very real emotional, financial, and logistical impact a canceled case can have on patients and their families. This article is a timely reminder that while a cancellation may...
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Operation Collaboration: Supply Chain - The Art and Science of Having What You Need
First Case Podcast
We’re kicking off Season 18 of First Case with a topic that impacts every single case we run, but doesn’t always get the spotlight it deserves: supply chain. In this season premiere, we’re joined by Gary Skinner of Discover S3 Consulting to talk about what really happens behind the scenes to make surgery possible. From onboarding new surgeons and managing backorders to building trust, improving communication, managing expectations, and keeping the mission focused on the patient, this conversation makes one thing clear: when supply chain and the OR aren’t aligned, everyone feels...
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Surgical Conscience: Linking Safe Surgery & Infection Prevention
First Case Podcast
Have you ever heard the term “surgical conscience”? Do you know what it means? Joining us today to discuss this critical component in surgical care is Danielle Quintana, PhD, MSN-ED, RN, CNOR-E, Assistant Professor, University of Houston Gessner College of Nursing. Tune in as we discover what defines surgical conscience, the 3 components that is has, and how surgical conscience is connected with infection prevention. Don’t miss it! Love our show? Download our First Case mobile app on: 📲 Apple users: https://zcu.io/gExL Android users: https://zcu.io/j7Kx Or you can subscribe to the...
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Christmas Eve in the OR
First Case Podcast
This week's episode of the First Case "Articles On-The-Go" series is written by Melanie Perry, BSN, RN, CNOR. In this playful poem, Melanie highlights the hard work of those in the operating room, especially during the holiday season, and reminds us all that what we do every single day makes a difference in the lives of our patients.
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Thriving Through Uncertainty: Modern Approaches to Change Management
First Case Podcast
Happy Holidays! As we celebrate the season, we're giving you a special bonus episode of First Case featuring Phyllis Quinlan, RN, President and CEO of MFW Consultants. In this timely conversation, Phyllis shares powerful insights on navigating persistent uncertainty, reframing “change” as growth and evolution, and leading teams with empathy, clarity, and solidarity during unprecedented times. As we close out the year and look ahead to what’s next, this episode offers practical wisdom for leaders and perioperative professionals facing ongoing change without losing sight of their mission...
info_outlineIn 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