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
Beyond the Cut: Through the Eyes of the Patient
In this week’s episode, we’re changing our focus, and seeing the operating room through the eyes of the patient. Becca Kinney—a former sterile processing technician, medical sales representative, and now entrepreneur—joins us to share her personal journey as a breast cancer survivor.
With a clinical background and firsthand experience undergoing multiple surgeries, Becca offers a unique and deeply moving perspective on surgical care. She discusses the emotional and physical challenges of her diagnosis and treatment, the value of clear communication and compassionate care, and how even the smallest gestures from caregivers can have a lasting impact.
Her story is a powerful reminder that behind every procedure is a person who is scared, vulnerable, and in need of connection. Tune in for an episode that underscores the importance of empathy, anticipatory guidance, and truly seeing our patients as people.
#operatingroom #perioperativenurse #surgicaltechnologist #perioperative #FirstCasePodcast #BreastCancerAwareness #PatientExperience #PerioperativeCare #SurgicalTeam #HealthcareProfessionals #SterileProcessing #EmpathyInMedicine
Intentionality in Surgical Technology Instruction
In this week’s article, we’re diving into the power of purposeful teaching with “Intentionality in Surgical Technology Instruction” originally written by First Case co-host Chris Blevins, CST, FAST.
From creating hands-on, realistic lab experiences to flipping the classroom for deeper engagement, this episode highlights how surgical technology educators can shape confident, competent future CSTs through intentional and reflective instruction.
Whether you teach in the lab or lecture in the classroom, this one’s for you. Don’t miss these insights that go beyond skill-building to foster professionalism, critical thinking, and advocacy for our surgical tech students.
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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!
#SurgicalTechnology #PeriopEducation #FirstCasePodcast #OREducation #CST #SurgTechInstructor #ArticlesOnTheGo
Beyond the Cut: The Hidden Influence of Implicit Bias
Implicit bias – it’s unconscious, it’s uncomfortable, and it affects patient care more than we may realize.
In this powerful episode, we sit down with Darlene Murdock, Staff Nurse at Memorial Hermann Hospital, to explore how our own hidden biases can lead to unequal treatment, impact patient outcomes, and create barriers to compassionate care. Darlene shares real-life stories, eye-opening stats, and actionable steps to help us become more self-aware and patient-focused in the OR and beyond. Tune in now to take the first step toward understanding your own implicit bias!
#operatingroom #perioperative #perioperativenurse #implicitbias #surgicaltechnologist #scrubtech #podcast
Optimizing OR Workflows: The Power of Standardization and Custom Kitting
What happens when you combine collaboration, efficiency, and standardization in the OR with strategic relationships and data-driven decision-making? You have a success story of operational transformation! Join us in this First Case Vendor Spotlight™ with Randy Subramany, Director of Supply Chain at New York Presbyterian, as we uncover the process that revolutionized procedural supply management.
New York Presbyterian, with its expansive network of 10 acute care centers and over 450 locations, collaborated with Cardinal Health™ Presource® Solutions to tackle inefficiencies in procedural supply standardization. The result? A streamlined custom kitting program that reduced redundant SKUs, minimized waste, and significantly improved clinician satisfaction. As a result, the organization eliminated unnecessary variation while enhancing patient care.
Throughout the discussion, Randy highlights the critical role of supply chain leaders in driving value-based care, reducing waste, and optimizing workflows. He shares insights into how Cardinal Health™ Presource® has been an essential component in this process, providing robust data analysis, standardization tools, and hands-on collaboration to ensure seamless implementation.
From reducing case setup times to improving emergency preparedness, this episode sheds light on how custom kitting solutions can transform perioperative efficiency. If you’re looking to streamline supply chain processes, enhance clinician experience, and ultimately improve patient outcomes, Cardinal Health™ Presource® Procedural Pack Solutions is ready to help.
Reach out to your Cardinal Health Presource® representative to explore tailored kitting solutions that meet your OR’s needs, or request more information on their website.
#FirstCase #CardinalHealth #VendorSpotlight #OperatingRoom #Efficiency #Workflows #SupplyChain #PatientCare #CustomSurgicalKits
Beyond the Cut: Recognizing & Respecting Patient Diversity
Welcome to the Season 15 premiere of First Case! We’re kicking off this season with guest JD Buchert, and diving into the importance of understanding our patients beyond their procedures.
In this episode, we explore the importance of seeing patients as individuals rather than just cases. Our conversation covers the role of culturally competent care, how personal experiences and backgrounds shape patient interactions, and the need for improved communication and empathy in the perioperative setting. We’ll also discuss how unconscious bias can impact care and what we can do to foster a more inclusive and patient-centered approach.
Join us as we uncover strategies for building trust, enhancing patient interactions, and ensuring every patient feels seen, heard, and respected. This is a conversation that can transform how we care for those who entrust us with their health, so don’t miss it!
#operatingroom #perioperativenurse #perioperative #surgicaltech #scrubtech #podcast
Get Ready for AORN Expo 2025!
The AORN Expo is not just another conference—it’s an immersive, high-energy event packed with education, networking, and hands-on learning opportunities! As thousands of perioperative professionals prepare to gather in historic Boston from April 5–8, 2025, making the most of this experience requires some strategic planning.
Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned Expo veteran, these ten tips will help you navigate the busy schedule, maximize learning opportunities, and ensure an unforgettable experience. From utilizing the Expo app to networking with industry leaders, voting in AORN elections, and staying comfortable throughout the event, we’ve got you covered.
Ready to make the most of AORN Expo 2025? Let’s dive in!
#operatingroom #perioperative #ornurse #perioperativenurse #aornexpo
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