First Case 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 explor...

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 p...

🦐 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 ...

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 ...

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 s...

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, Trans...

"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

Surgeons are often seen as unshakable figures in the OR, but behind the scalpel lies a human story of triumphs, challenges, and compassion.

Have you experienced bullying in your department? Whether you've witnessed it or experienced it...

How can we help children have a positive surgical ...

When you have a Spanish-speaking patient, do you know how to communicate with them? Can you ask them basic questions, or do you freeze up and hope you can find someone who speaks Spanish who can help you out? In today's episode we're discussing the importance of communicating with Spanish-speaking patients with Meghan Codd, Spanish communication coach for healthcare providers and founder of Mi Vida Spanish. Meg...

In 2011, an EF5 tornado ripped through Joplin, Missouri, destroying St. John's Regional Medical Center and claiming 158 lives. Lindsey Joyce narrowly missed being there that day, and now she's sharing her story, along with five critical tornado preparedness tips every OR team should know.

What is the secret to happiness? The answer, according to Dr. Michael Redler, Orthopedic Surgeon at Connecticut Orthopedics, is great communication. Communicating effectively sets the tone for our whole day in the Operating Room. Do we have the supplies needed for a case? Did the right grafts or implants get brought in? Was everyone in the room treated with respect and recognized as a valuable contributor to th...

"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 relation...

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.

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 s...