First Case Podcast

Latest Episodes:

How Do I... Study for the CNOR Exam? Aug 11, 2025

Show notes

Are you preparing for the CNOR exam, or helping others get ready? This week we're joined by Wendy Zander, founder of Zander Perioperative Education, to share expert insight on how to approach CNOR certification with confidence.

From study tips and testing strategies to understanding learning styles and building long-term retention, Wendy breaks it all down with practical advice and encouragement. Get ready to be set up for success!

#operatingroom #CNOR #perioperative #ornurse #nurse

StreetClothes: The Hairdresser Aug 10, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of StreetClothes, we speak with a healthcare professional whose passion for style and connection comes to life behind the salon chair. From precision cuts to perfect color blends, this licensed cosmetologist blends artistry and care into every look she creates.

Tune in to hear how Dr. Raynetta Stansil brings her signature style to helping people look and feel their best—one trim, one tone, and one transformation 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 motivated, we'd love to hear from you! Message Hank Balch on LinkedIn for a chance to come on the show and share it with the world!

#StreetClothes #Hobbies #SideHustles #PeopleMatter #Healthcare #BeyondClean #FirstCase #PowerSupply #TransmissionControl #HealthcareHQ

How Do I... Cope With Death in the OR? Aug 04, 2025

Show notes

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 we must be equipped to process it with empathy and care.

Tune in to learn more.

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

How Do I... Prepare for the CST Exam? Jul 28, 2025

Show notes

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 insights into why certification matters, how it protects both patients and the profession, and how you can prepare for success!

#operatingroom #CST #surgicaltech #scrubtech #ornurse #ornurses #perioperative

StreetClothes: The Mixologist Jul 27, 2025

Show notes

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.

#StreetClothes #Hobbies #SideHustles #PeopleMatter #Healthcare #BeyondClean #FirstCase #PowerSupply #TransmissionControl #HealthcareHQ

Don't Stop the Block: Transforming Pain Management with Regional Anesthesia Jul 23, 2025

Show notes

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.

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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 #surgery #perioperative #PerioperativeNursing #RegionalAnesthesia #OpioidSparing #PatientSafety

How Do I... Learn to Scrub? Jul 21, 2025

Show notes

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 "this is how I was taught." We also share practical tips and resources for anyone who wants to grow their skills—because in the OR, learning never stops. Whether you're new to scrubbing or have 30 years of experience, there's always something new to learn, and there's no room for gatekeeping knowledge when patient safety is on the line.

#operatingroom #ornurse #operatingroomnurses #surgery #scrubtech #surgicaltechnologist

How Do I... Engage Surgeons & Improve Workflow? Jul 14, 2025

Show notes

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 preference card accuracy to communication failures, we're going to discuss some of the real-life challenges we face in the OR.

Tune in to learn how to approach surgeons more effectively, start conversations that actually lead to change, improve preference card accuracy and reduce waste, and create more efficient, collaborative surgical teams. Don't miss this eye-opening conversation!

#operatingroom #ornurse #surgery #perioperative #perioperativenurse #communication #ScrubTech #SurgicalTechnologist #podcast

StreetClothes: The Woodturner Jul 13, 2025

Show notes

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…

#StreetClothes #Hobbies #SideHustles #PeopleMatter #Healthcare #BeyondClean #FirstCase #PowerSupply #TransmissionControl #HealthcareHQ

Cover It & Keep Going: The Clear Solution for Smarter Perioperative Workflows Jul 11, 2025

Show notes

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, compliant, and stress-free. In this discussion, we'll hear firsthand how this clear, easy-to-use drape improves workflow, reduces contamination risk, and even helps teams take a much-needed break — without compromising sterility.

The Sterile-Z® line now includes options for Mayo stands and 3D imaging procedures, all designed to save time, reduce waste, and protect your setup from airborne contamination.

To learn more or request a sample, visit tidiproducts.com/sterile-z and follow them on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok!

#operatingroom #sterilefield #surgicalefficiency #ORNurse #scrubtech #perioperative #vendorspotlight #podcast #SterileZ