First Case 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

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.

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

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

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

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

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…

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

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

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

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

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