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
Sterile Processing 101: Sterilization Methods Explained – Steam, Low-Temp, & IUSS
In this week’s episode, we take a practical look at the science behind sterilization with Bobby Parker from Beyond Clean. From steam cycles to low-temperature, this episode breaks down the different ways instruments are processed and discusses why each method matters.
You’re also going to gain a clearer understanding of indicators, sterility assurance, and why sterilization takes more time than many realize. But the more we understand the process, the better we can support patient safety and workflow efficiency.
#operatingroom #sterileprocessing #ornurse #scrubtech
Sterile Processing 101: Inspection & Assembly – The Art of Building a Reliable Tray
How reliable is the tray you open every day?
In today’s episode, we step into inspection and assembly where cleaned instruments are tested, examined, and built into the trays your OR depends on.
This conversation with Kevin Anderson highlights why tray assembly is about far more than checking off a count sheet. From instrument function testing and damaged equipment to borescopes, insulation testing, and missing items, this episode reveals the science behind building a dependable tray.
Listen now and gain a new appreciation for the work that happens before the tray reaches your back table.
#operatingroom #nurse #scrubtech #sterileprocessing
Sterile Processing 101: Decontam Deep Dive – What Happens After The Case Cart Leaves the Room
What really happens after your case cart leaves the OR?
To find out, we’re diving into decontam to discover the critical next step in the instrument reprocessing lifecycle. From point-of-use treatment to manual and mechanical cleaning, this episode unpacks what it actually takes to get instruments safe, clean, and ready for the next patient.
Joined by Julie Gorog, OR nurse and Clinical Education Consultant with Advanced Sterilization Products, we explore why cleaning is the most crucial step in reprocessing, how biofilm forms faster than you think, and what OR teams can do to set sterile processing up for success.
Because what happens after the case directly impacts the next one. So tune in to learn more!
#operatingroom #ornurse #scrubtech #sterileprocessing
Sterile Processing 101: Point of Use Treatment – The OR’s Role in Sterile Processing
What happens to your instruments during the case matters more than you think.
In this interview with Mike Matthews, we break down point-of-use treatment and why sterile processing actually starts in the OR, not decontam.
From biofilm risk to instrument damage, this episode highlights how small actions during a case have big downstream consequences.
This episode challenges the “not my problem” mindset and reinforces a critical truth: 𝗣𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁-𝗼𝗳-𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗼𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 – 𝗶𝘁’𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹.
#operatingroom #ornurse #sterileprocessing #scrubtech
Sterile Processing 101: From Dirty to Sterile – The Instrument Reprocessing Lifecycle
Welcome to a new season of the First Case podcast – Sterile Processing 101! We’re kicking off the season with a conversation that sets the foundation for the entire series and challenges a big misconception:
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗺… 𝗶𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗢𝗥.
In this conversation with Jen Parrott, we introduce the full instrument reprocessing lifecycle and explore why understanding this process is essential for every OR nurse, and how it affects everything from patient safety to workflow efficiency.
Tune in to the premiere and start seeing the bigger picture!
#operatingroom #ornurse #scrubtech #podcast #sterileprocessing
Top 10: General Surgery
General surgery is where many perioperative nurses begin their OR journey. It’s one of the most diverse and foundational specialties in the operating room, touching everything from colorectal and thyroid cases to breast, abdominal, and head & neck procedures.
In this First Case Articles-On-The-Go, Lindsay Joyce, MSN, RN, CNOR breaks down the Top 10 things OR teams should know about general surgery – from being ready to convert laparoscopic cases to open, to understanding patient positioning, implants, ERAS protocols, hemostatic agents, and proper drain management.
Whether you’re new to the OR or just need a refresher, this episode highlights why versatility, preparation, and attention to detail are essential in one of surgery’s broadest specialties.
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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 #generalsurgery #ornurse #nurse #scrubtech
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