First Case
Clock in, scrub up, and join us behind the red line. We are First Case – an operating room podcast bringing you exciting interviews, engaging discussions, and innovative solutions that are changing the way patients receive surgical care. Each episode we talk to frontline staff, perioperative leadership, and nursing entrepreneurs from across the country as they share their stories, experience and expertise on an industry we love.
From the back table to the board room, from wheels in to wheels out. — we tackle the real-life issues affecting the OR. Whether you’re tuning in for surgical service education or inspiration, we’re glad you’re here. And now, it’s time to roll back, and start the First Case…
Episodes
Top 10: Gynecology
Blue Towels, Dirty Loupes, and… Perineal Fallout?!
In our season finale of First Case, we unpack two OR practices that many of us have seen (or done!), from adjusting surgical loupes with blue towels to the truly legendary myth of “perineal fallout.”
This episode blends humor, history, and evidence-based practice as we talk about why some habits stick, how outdated ideas persist, and what it means to stay lifelong learners in the perioperative space.
If you’re ready for a few laughs, a few gasps, and a lot of “lightbulb moments,” join us for the wrap-up of a season dedicated to challenging old ideas and improving how we care for patients.
#operatingroom #ornurse #scrubtech #surgery #podcast #perioperative
Thanksgiving Top 10
It’s hard to believe that Thanksgiving is next week! As we head into the holiday, it’s a good time to reflect on the many things we’re grateful for, both personally and professionally. In the latest First Case Articles on the Go, Melanie highlights a thoughtful (and relatable) Top 10 list of things we appreciate most about working in the operating room.
👉 Take a moment to listen to the full article and consider what you’re most thankful for in your own practice this year!
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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 #thanksgiving #thankful
The Truth About Instrument Reprocessing Times
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
NPO After Midnight: Fact or Fiction?
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
Surgeons, Supplies, and the Myth of Unlimited Choice
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
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