“It’s on backorder.” How many times have you heard that answer when you asked why a needed supply wasn’t on the shelf? Wouldn’t it be better if your team knew ahead of time that items weren’t available, and they knew what steps were already being taken to resolve the issue? In today’s interview with Suzi Collins, Market Director of Supply Chain at Steward Healthcare, we’re going to be talking about the relationship between the Operating Room and Supply Chain and how important proper communication is between the two departments. How do we get the supplies that we need? How much lead time does Supply Chain need in order to have a product available? Why does it seem like Supply Chain says NO every time you ask for something? It’s not because they don’t like you! Tune in to this episode to find out!

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 podcast through: 💻 Apple Podcasts - https://zcu.io/qnVu iHeart Radio - https://zcu.io/5qkg Spotify - https://zcu.io/JkqK Stitcher - https://zcu.io/j76G

#operatingroom #surgery #communication #SupplyChain #Collaboration #Healthcare #perioperative #nurse

We’ve all heard it: “Nursing is a calling.” It sounds noble, but this romanticized language has a hidden price. It can normalize burnout, justify unsafe staffing, and excuse inadequate pay, all under the guise of dedication.

In this eye-opening episode, Melanie Perry, BSN, RN, CNOR, CSSM, challenges the “calling” narrative and makes a case for recognizing nursing as the highly skilled, indispensable profession it truly is, and one that deserves respect, fair compensation, and safe working conditions.

#operatingroom #nurse #nursing #perioperative

It’s the Season 16 finale of First Case! We're wrapping up the season with a conversation you don’t want to miss. We sit down with Matt Lowe, Clinical Programs Director for SSIs at Medline, to explore how we can make OR education engaging, relevant, and effective. From gamification and escape-room style learning to the vital role of unit champions, Matt shares strategies to keep staff learning, prevent complacency, and ensure safe patient care.

Tune in now!

#operatingroom #ornurse #perioperative #OREducation #scrubtech #surgicaltechnologist

On this episode of StreetClothes, we speak with a clinician with a passion for chasing waves and finding rhythm in the ocean’s tide. From early-morning paddles to the rush of a perfect swell, this surfer blends patience, balance, and energy into every ride.

Tune in to hear how Eric Price paddles past the daily grind and chases the thrill of the waves…

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

Behind every AORN Guideline is a team of experts, years of research, and a commitment to safe, evidence-based perioperative care.

In this week’s interview, we sit down with Erin Kyle, Editor-in-Chief of the AORN Guidelines for Perioperative Practice, to uncover exactly how these guidelines are created, vetted, and implemented. Erin takes us inside the process, clears up common misconceptions, and shows us how to implement them in our facilities. 

Listen now to learn how the guidelines are developed, why public comment matters, and where to find AORN’s ready-to-use resources for seamless implementation. 

#operatingroom #ornurse #perioperative #guidelines #perioperativenurse #surgery

Remember playing telephone as a kid? We always laughed with when the message got mixed up. But in the OR, miscommunication can change everything, and even lead to cancelled surgeries or patient safety issues. In this episode, Lindsay Joyce, MSN, RN, CNOR, shares a real-life call-back story that turned into a powerful lesson on why “closing the loop” in communication is essential for patient care, efficiency, and trust.

#operatingroom #ornurse #communication #surgery #scrubtech

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

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

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

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