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
Flip Flops, Chaos, and Life-Saving Moments
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
How Do I… Learn in the OR
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
Infection Prevention: The Ultimate Play Call
In this week’s edition of Articles on the Go, Chris Blevins, CST, FAST, draws a creative parallel between the strategic world of football and the high-stakes environment of the operating room. Just like a zone defense on the field, infection prevention in surgery relies on teamwork, precision, communication, and adaptability. From the offensive line to the surgical team, every player has a critical role in preventing complications and protecting the “end zone” — patient safety.
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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 #infectionprevention #surgery
Beyond the Tap: Why Water Quality Is Critical to Surgical Safety
When it comes to patient safety, we scrutinize every instrument—but how often do we scrutinize the water used to clean them? In today’s First Case Vendor SpotlightTM, we’re addressing that critical, yet often overlooked, factor in our surgical and sterile processing outcome – water quality. Joining us is Jeffrey Paquet, CEO of VERDA Water Quality Systems, a leader in developing comprehensive water management solutions for healthcare environments.
If you’ve ever questioned the cause behind pitting, staining, or spotting on your instruments—or wondered how infrastructure changes can impact sterile processing—this episode will provide the answers! our conversation today will take a closer look at the intersection of water quality and perioperative care, and we’ll examine the implications of water quality on surgical instrument integrity, infection prevention, and overall patient safety. We’ll also explore the recently released ANSI/AAMI ST108 standard, how it aligns with and enhances existing guidelines such as those from AORN, and why compliance with this standard is becoming increasingly vital—particularly in states like New Jersey where it is now regulatory.
VERDA Water Quality Systems is helping facilities move beyond fragmented, siloed approaches to water management by offering an integrated, system-wide strategy designed to improve outcomes, reduce risk, and support regulatory compliance.
To learn more, visit https://verdawater.com/contact/ and to schedule your free assessment. You can also follow VERDA on LinkedIn!
#operatingroom #waterquality #podcast #vendorspotlight #ornurse #perioperativenurse #scrubtech #surgicaltechnologist
Silent but Deadly: The Ever-Present Danger of Surgical Smoke
Surgical smoke isn’t just unpleasant—it’s dangerous.
In our latest First Case: Articles on the Go episode, we shed light on the harmful particles released during common surgical procedures—and the risks they pose to perioperative professionals.
Despite decades of research confirming the presence of carcinogens, mutagens, and infectious material in surgical smoke, consistent regulation and protection remain lacking in many ORs.
This episode explores:
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The health hazards associated with surgical smoke exposure
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The importance of smoke evacuation systems
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Legislative progress across the U.S.
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How perioperative professionals can educate, advocate, and drive change
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 #perioperativenurse #firesafety #fireprevention #surgery #scrubtech #surgicaltechnology
Waiting for the Prep to Dry: Why Dry Times Matter
Surgical fires remain a serious—yet preventable—risk in the operating room. One critical safety measure? Adhering to the recommended dry times for alcohol-based prep solutions.
In this episode of First Case: Articles on the Go, we examine the evidence behind dry time protocols, their role in preventing OR fires and surgical site infections, and the importance of following manufacturer guidelines.
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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 #perioperativenurse #firesafety #fireprevention #surgery #scrubtech #surgicaltechnology
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