First Case Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Flip Flops, Chaos, and Life-Saving Moments Jul 09, 2025

Show notes

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.

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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

How Do I... Learn in the OR Jul 07, 2025

Show notes

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, 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

StreetClothes: The Hiker Jun 29, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of StreetClothes, we talk to a healthcare professional who spends her time away from the hospital chasing trails and wide-open views. Whether she's trekking solo through Iceland or tackling steep paths with friends, this adventurer finds peace wherever her hiking boots take her.

Tune in to hear how Brenna Doran embraces the calm and clarity of the outdoors—one step, one trail, and one hike 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

Infection Prevention: The Ultimate Play Call Jun 25, 2025

Show notes

In this week's edition of Articles on the Go, Chris Blevins, CST, FAST, draws a creative parallel between the strategic world of football and the high-stakes environment of the operating room. Just like a zone defense on the field, infection prevention in surgery relies on teamwork, precision, communication, and adaptability. From the offensive line to the surgical team, every player has a critical role in preventing complications and protecting the "end zone" — patient safety.

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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 #infectionprevention #surgery

Beyond the Tap: Why Water Quality Is Critical to Surgical Safety Jun 20, 2025

Show notes

When it comes to patient safety, we scrutinize every instrument—but how often do we scrutinize the water used to clean them? In today's First Case Vendor SpotlightTM, we're addressing that critical, yet often overlooked, factor in our surgical and sterile processing outcome - water quality. Joining us is Jeffrey Paquet, CEO of VERDA Water Quality Systems, a leader in developing comprehensive water management solutions for healthcare environments.

If you've ever questioned the cause behind pitting, staining, or spotting on your instruments—or wondered how infrastructure changes can impact sterile processing—this episode will provide the answers! our conversation today will take a closer look at the intersection of water quality and perioperative care, and we'll examine the implications of water quality on surgical instrument integrity, infection prevention, and overall patient safety. We'll also explore the recently released ANSI/AAMI ST108 standard, how it aligns with and enhances existing guidelines such as those from AORN, and why compliance with this standard is becoming increasingly vital—particularly in states like New Jersey where it is now regulatory.

VERDA Water Quality Systems is helping facilities move beyond fragmented, siloed approaches to water management by offering an integrated, system-wide strategy designed to improve outcomes, reduce risk, and support regulatory compliance.

To learn more, visit https://verdawater.com/contact/ and to schedule your free assessment. You can also follow VERDA on LinkedIn!

#operatingroom #waterquality #podcast #vendorspotlight #ornurse #perioperativenurse #scrubtech #surgicaltechnologist

StreetClothes: The Motorcyclist Jun 15, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of our StreetClothes human-interest podcast series, we talk to a healthcare professional whose passion for two wheels brings freedom, focus, and a whole lot of fuel to life outside the hospital. From the thrill of the throttle to the quietness of the long ride, this rider has discovered that nothing clears the mind quite like a full tank and the open road.

Tune in to hear how Jennifer Barnickel unplugs and reconnects one curve, one gear, and one mile at a time…

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

Silent but Deadly: The Ever-Present Danger of Surgical Smoke Jun 11, 2025

Show notes

Surgical smoke isn't just unpleasant—it's dangerous.

In our latest First Case: Articles on the Go episode, we shed light on the harmful particles released during common surgical procedures—and the risks they pose to perioperative professionals.

Despite decades of research confirming the presence of carcinogens, mutagens, and infectious material in surgical smoke, consistent regulation and protection remain lacking in many ORs.

This episode explores:

The health hazards associated with surgical smoke exposure
The importance of smoke evacuation systems
Legislative progress across the U.S.
How perioperative professionals can educate, advocate, and drive change

Listen now!

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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 #perioperativenurse #firesafety #fireprevention #surgery #scrubtech #surgicaltechnology

StreetClothes: The Bakers Jun 01, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of our StreetClothes podcast series, we talk to two healthcare professionals who find comfort, creativity, and a little pinch of calm in the art of baking. Whether it's homemade bagels, a failed bundt cake, or family traditions passed down through generations, these self-taught bakers have each discovered their own flavor of joy in the kitchen.

Tune in to hear how Vanessa Frank & Chelsea Wolner are keeping things sweet outside their 9-to-5s—one pie, muffin, and cookie at a time…

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

Waiting for the Prep to Dry: Why Dry Times Matter May 28, 2025

Show notes

Surgical fires remain a serious—yet preventable—risk in the operating room. One critical safety measure? Adhering to the recommended dry times for alcohol-based prep solutions.

In this episode of First Case: Articles on the Go, we examine the evidence behind dry time protocols, their role in preventing OR fires and surgical site infections, and the importance of following manufacturer guidelines.

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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 #perioperativenurse #firesafety #fireprevention #surgery #scrubtech #surgicaltechnology

Beyond the Cut: When Medicine Meets Mortality May 26, 2025

Show notes

Autopsy tech Amanda Krygier joins us in the First Case season finale to pull back the curtain on a rarely discussed, deeply meaningful part of patient care - postmortem care.

From collecting organs and evidence to comforting grieving families with answers, Amanda shares how compassion continues— even after life ends.

In this episode, we explore: 🧠 What autopsy techs actually do ⚖️ How they handle criminal cases & evidence 🩺 Why empathy matters, even in death

Tune in now to learn more about the final chapter of patient care.

#operatingroom #ornurse #surgery #scrubtech #perioperativenurse