The AORN Expo is not just another conference—it's an immersive, high-energy event packed with education, networking, and hands-on learning opportunities! As thousands of perioperative professionals prepare to gather in historic Boston from April 5–8, 2025, making the most of this experience requires some strategic planning.

Whether you're a first-time attendee or a seasoned Expo veteran, these ten tips will help you navigate the busy schedule, maximize learning opportunities, and ensure an unforgettable experience. From utilizing the Expo app to networking with industry leaders, voting in AORN elections, and staying comfortable throughout the event, we've got you covered.

Ready to make the most of AORN Expo 2025? Let's dive in!

#operatingroom #perioperative #ornurse #perioperativenurse #aornexpo

Ever think about how clean your stethoscope really is? 🤔 On this special release episode of First Case, we're teaming up with Transmission Control to tackle a hidden but serious infection risk—stethoscope hygiene!

Join us as we chat with Scott Mader, CEO & Founder of AseptiScope, about how stethoscopes can become overlooked vectors for infection and what we can do to fix it.

Spoiler: You might want to clean your stethoscope after this episode! 😷

#operatingroom #ornurse #nurse #surgery #infectionprevention

Season 14 is a wrap! And while we wait for Season 15, we're bringing you an audio version of an interview we did with Stella Yau during Perioperative Nurses Week!

In this interview, we're talking with Stella Yau about her experience as a perioperative nurse in the US Navy. As she tells her story, you'll hear about nursing school education in the United States, about the additional responsibilities for nursing students in an ROTC Program, you'll learn what it was like for her as nurse serving in the Navy, and how she has used her experiences to influence her career now as a civilian perioperative nurse.

🚨 SEASON 14 FINALE! 🚨

What happens before a surgeon steps into the OR? How do we know they're actually qualified to perform a procedure? 🤔

In the Season 14 finale of #FirstCase, we're pulling back the curtain on credentialing and privileging with Nyleen Flores, Chief Administrative Officer at Lake Oconee Orthopedics. She's diving deep into the gatekeeping process that protects patient safety—and trust us, there's a lot you probably don't know!

🎙️ Tune in as we discuss: ✅ The real process behind vetting surgeons and staff ✅ Why OR teams should question who is performing a case ✅ How credentialing can prevent medical disasters before they happen

This conversation will change the way you see surgical care. Don't miss it! 🎧

#SurgicalSafety #PatientSafety #PerioperativeNursing #HealthcarePodcast #OperatingRoom

Suture is something every OR professional encounters daily, yet many of us were never properly taught how much about them. Why is suture sizing so confusing? What's the difference between absorbable and non-absorbable sutures, and when should each be used?

In this episode of First Case, we're diving deep into the world of suture, breaking down monofilament vs. multifilament options, discussing how suture coatings impact healing, and uncovering common mistakes that could affect patient outcomes. Whether you're a seasoned perioperative professional or just starting out, this conversation will give you the confidence to navigate suture selection like a pro. Tune in now!

#operatingroom #ornurse #scrubtech #surgery #perioperative

Trendelenburg is a common position in the OR, but are we truly positioning patients safely? In this episode of First Case, we welcome back David Gomez, nurse anesthetist and CEO of Infinitus Medical, to uncover the risks, misconceptions, and best practices for safe Trendelenburg positioning.

In today's episode we'll discuss:

🔹 Why degree and duration matter more than you think 🔹 The hidden dangers of extreme angles and prolonged positioning 🔹 Common injuries - compartment syndrome, brachial plexus damage, and skin shearing 🔹 How to advocate for safer practices despite OR hierarchies 🔹 The role of proper positioning devices and what to avoid

Join us as David shares real-world stories, research-backed insights, and practical solutions.

#operatingroom #ornurse #trendelenburg #crna #scrubtech #surgery #patientpositioning

Positioning patients in the OR isn't just about access to the surgical site—it's about preventing serious injuries. From nerve damage and tissue ischemia to long-term functional impairment, improper positioning can have devastating consequences. But with the right knowledge and attention to detail, many of these injuries are completely preventable.

Tune in as Chris and Melanie break down the risks, the science behind positioning injuries, and the steps you can take to keep your patients safe. Don't miss it! 🎧

#operatingroom #ornurse #scrubtech #patientpositioning #podcast #perioperative

Are all of the PPE rules we have in the OR really necessary? Joining us this week to uncover the purpose behind the rules and guidelines is Jill Holdsworth, Infection Prevention Manager at Emory University Hospital Midtown in Atlanta, Georgia.

Tune in as Jill breaks down the basics of PPE and its critical role in the OR. We'll discuss common PPE items and unpack the reasons WHY our PPE is essential for patient and staff safety. And of course, we'll tackle the ever-controversial bouffant-over-scrub-cap debate! Don't miss this informative episode!

How do we approach sterility and proper technique in ways that prioritize patient safety and best practices? And why does it matter?

In today's episode, Chris and Melanie are diving into the nitty-gritty details of sterile technique — because in the Operating Room, there's no room for "good enough." Tune in to find out why as we discuss guidelines, best practices, and the common mistakes that have become acceptable by many perioperative professionals. We'll also discuss the critical do's and don'ts of sterile field management, and reveal some of the tips and tricks we've picked up along the way. Tune in now!

#operatingroom #ornurse #perioperative #surgicaltechnologist #scrubtech #scrub #bestpractice

Is charting really that important? Joining us today to discuss the vital role that documentation plays in the operating room is Anna Gray, RNFA and Legal Nurse Consultant. From understanding what to document to exploring the connection between nurses' notes and surgeons' operative reports, Anna shares her expertise on why every detail matters.

Tune in to hear compelling courtroom examples where documentation made or broke the case, and discover the broader purpose of documentation that goes beyond legal protection. Proper documentation isn't just a task—it's a tool for patient safety, supply chain efficiency, and telling the patient's story. Join us for an insightful discussion about why accurate charting is essential for both patient care and professional practice.

#operatingroom #ornurse #surgery #perioperative #scrubtech