First Case Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Top 10: Gynecology Dec 03, 2025

Show notes

Gynecology surgery presents unique challenges that require preparation, precision, and strong clinical awareness. In this new First Case: Articles on the Go episode, Lindsay Joyce, MSN, RN, CNOR, shares 10 essential insights every perioperative professional should know before stepping into a GYN case, from preventing nerve injuries and ensuring privacy to managing equipment and verifying complex specimens.

If you support gynecology procedures or lead teams who do, this quick, practical rundown is worth your time.

Here's what you need to know to set your team and your patient up for success!

Blue Towels, Dirty Loupes, and… Perineal Fallout?! Nov 24, 2025

Show notes

In our season finale of First Case, we unpack two OR practices that many of us have seen (or done!), from adjusting surgical loupes with blue towels to the truly legendary myth of "perineal fallout."

This episode blends humor, history, and evidence-based practice as we talk about why some habits stick, how outdated ideas persist, and what it means to stay lifelong learners in the perioperative space.

If you're ready for a few laughs, a few gasps, and a lot of "lightbulb moments," join us for the wrap-up of a season dedicated to challenging old ideas and improving how we care for patients.

#operatingroom #ornurse #scrubtech #surgery #podcast #perioperative

Thanksgiving Top 10 Nov 19, 2025

Show notes

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!

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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 #thanksgiving #thankful

The Truth About Instrument Reprocessing Times Nov 17, 2025

Show notes

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.

#operatingroom #ornurse #scrubtech #sterileprocessing #nurse #mythbusters

NPO After Midnight: Fact or Fiction? Nov 10, 2025

Show notes

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 early mobility, ERAS is helping teams across the country reduce complications, shorten recovery times, and improve outcomes.

Tune in to learn: ✅ Why strict NPO after midnight is outdated ✅ How ERAS protocols enhance safety and satisfaction ✅ Practical steps for implementing evidence-based change in your facility

Tune in to learn and together we can move past an old idea and implement evidence-based practices!

#operatingroom #onnurse #ERASprotocols #podcast #scrubtech #surgery #bestpractice

Surgeons, Supplies, and the Myth of Unlimited Choice Nov 03, 2025

Show notes

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 how product decisions are really made in healthcare, you won't want to miss this conversation.

#operatingroom #supplychain #ornurse #scrubtech #podcast

Who Do Scrubs Really Work Under? Busting A Common OR Myth Oct 27, 2025

Show notes

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 teamwork in the OR

This insightful conversation challenges misconceptions, promotes professional respect, and highlights how every member of the surgical team contributes to patient safety and excellence in care.

Don't miss it!

#operatingroom #ornurse #surgery #scrubtech #surgicaltechnologist #perioperative

Battling Burnout in Nursing Oct 22, 2025

Show notes

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

Shellfish Allergy Does Not Equal Betadine Allergy Oct 20, 2025

Show notes

🦐 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 patients, and learn how questioning "what we've always done" can improve surgical care.

#operatingroom #ornurse #scrubtech #surgery #evidencebasedpractice

Eye-Opening Solutions: Rethinking Ophthalmology Practices with ONE TRAY Oct 17, 2025

Show notes

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 country, explains why interrupting sterilization cycles and carrying instruments between cases is not safe practice, and shows how ONE TRAY®/IST can be a solution. Don't miss this important conversation about protecting patients, preventing TASS, and breaking the cycle of unsafe practices in ophthalmology!

For more information, you can email ONE TRAY®/IST at info@onetray.com. You can also follow them on LinkedIn and Facebook, and make sure to download their free PDF resource here!

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