First Case Podcast

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

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Tune in to learn: ✅ Why strict NPO after midnight is outdated ✅ How ERAS protocols enhance safety and satisfaction ✅ Practical steps for implementing evidence-based change in your facility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

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

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

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 ≠ 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

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 [email protected]. You can also follow them on LinkedIn and Facebook, and make sure to download their free PDF resource here!

When was the last time you stepped outside your service line?

In this week's Articles on the Go, Lindsey Joyce, MSN, RN, CNOR, shares her story of working outside her cardiac specialty, and the unexpected lessons that came with it. From scrubbing a gallbladder case to circulating a robotic procedure, Lindsey reminds us that staying well-rounded isn't just good for our patients, it's essential for our careers.

Working in the operating room is full of surprises. Keeping your skills sharp across specialties helps you stay flexible, confident, and ready for whatever comes next.

🎧 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 #ornurse #scrubtech #surgery #perioperative

Is a cold OR really better for patient infection prevention, or is it just another myth we've been holding onto for too long?

In this week's episode, we're joined by Garret Hollenbeak, System Infection Preventionist at Bon Secours Mercy Health and Editor-in-Chief of our sister podcast, Transmission Control.

Together, we dig into the science behind temperature management in the OR, breaking down the difference between room temperature and patient temperature, the importance of maintaining normothermia, and how factors like humidity, staff comfort, and infection prevention all connect. We'll also discuss how teamwork between infection prevention and OR staff is essential for keeping patients safe.

🎧 Tune in to hear why a "cold" OR might not be as protective as you think, and how evidence-based practice helps us strike the right balance between comfort, safety, and outcomes.

#operatingroom #ornurse #scrubtech #infectionprevention #patientsafety #podcast

"You can't cover your back table!" or can you? 🤔

For years, many of us were taught that covering a back table was never allowed. But AST and AORN guidelines say otherwise, as long as it's done correctly.

Join Melanie Perry and Chris Blevins as they kick off a brand-new season of First Case by busting this long-standing myth. They'll dive into when covering a back table is appropriate, how to do it safely, and why understanding the why behind the practice matters for every surgical team.

Tune in to the Season 17 premiere now!

#operatingroom #ornurse #perioperative #podcast #scrubtech #surgicaltechnologist