First Case Podcast
218 episodes - English - Latest episode: 1 day ago - ★★★★★ - 30 ratingsClock 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…
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
Hip Replacements, Ortho Sales Reps, & Social Media: The Voice of Experience
December 26, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 29.6 MBWhat will 3 hip replacements in 4 years get you? If you’re Johnny Caffaro, CEO & Founder of Caffaro Way, it will give you the lived experience as a hip-replacement patient, a strong personal brand to tell your story, and a heart for teaching others how to advocate for themselves and for their care. Join us as Johnny shares his story, find out how he built his personal brand through the power of social media, and learn how YOU can be an advocate for your surgical care. Don’t miss this powerfu...
Christmas Eve in the OR
December 21, 2022 10:00 - 2 minutes - 1.18 MBThis week's episode of the First Case "Articles On-The-Go" series is written by Melanie Perry, BSN, RN, CNOR, CSSM. In this playful poem, Melanie highlights the hard work of those in the operating room, especially during the holiday season, and reminds us all that what we do every single day makes a difference in the lives of our patients. ------- Articles On-the-Go presents perioperative insights from written articles in a creative, easy to listen, audio format. Think audio book, meets...
Disaster Preparation and Readiness
December 14, 2022 10:00 - 4 minutes - 6.44 MBIn this week's episode of the First Case "Articles On-The-Go" series, written by written by Melanie Perry, BSN, RN, CNOR, CSSM, she shares critical insights on the importance of disaster preparation, training, and readiness for our healthcare facilities. "And that is why preparation is key. Take the time to prepare for internal and external disasters before they occur. Run the fire drills, tornado drills, evacuation drills, and malignant hypothermia drills. Learn them when the stakes are...
A Fresh Perspective: Seeing the OR Through the Eyes of a Patient
November 30, 2022 10:00 - 4 minutes - 5.83 MBIn this week's episode of the First Case "Articles On-The-Go" series, written by Brenna Page, MSN, RN, CNOR, CNAMB, she shares what it was like to be on the other side of the stretcher and the perspective that she gained as a recent surgical patient. "I was recently a patient myself. I was already familiar with the facility, and the staff was made up of people that I work with, yet I was still nervous. I haven’t had surgery in well over 10 years, but this experience provided me with the f...
Bridging the Gap: Connecting Infection Prevention, Information Technology, and the OR
November 21, 2022 10:00 - 37 minutes - 17.4 MBAs our operating rooms become more technologically advanced, how do our Infection Preventionists keep up? How does Infection Prevention (IP) keep in step with the technology, and ensure that we are disinfecting all of the different equipment properly? Find out the answers to all of these questions and more in our eye-opening interview with Brad Whitchurch, Founder, CEO, & Chairman at SealShield and host of the CleanTalk podcast. Discover the effects that new technology has on Infection Preve...
Proud to Be A Perioperative Nurse: Celebrating Perioperative Nurses Week!
November 14, 2022 10:00 - 29 minutes - 13.6 MBHappy Perioperative Nurses’ Week! We are celebrating the achievements and contributions of perioperative nurses this week as host Melanie Perry, BSN, RN, CNOR, CSSM, sits down for a conversation with Brenna Page, MSN, RN, CNAMB, CNOR discussing all things perioperative. They’ll talk about what it’s like to be an OR nurse, discuss why they love OR nursing, share stories from their experiences, and discuss the future of perioperative nursing. Love our show? Download our First Case mobile ap...
Plugged In For Success: Understanding Video Integration in the OR
November 07, 2022 10:00 - 38 minutes - 17.6 MBWhere does this cord go? How can I get the monitor to work? Why is it not working already?? We’ve all been there, feeling the gaze of the surgeon as everyone in the room waits for us to hook up equipment, only to struggle with getting video connections to actually work. We’re talking all things video integration today with Ryan Hager, Global Digital Marketing & Documentation Manager at FSN Medical Technologies. Tune in as Ryan breaks down the common headaches and pain points with video integ...
A New View on Revenue: Transforming Healthcare Systems Through Supply Chain
November 04, 2022 09:00 - 44 minutes - 20.4 MBWhat do revenue models have to do with the profitability of your Operating Room? How is the changing landscape going to impact the bottom line of your hospitals today and into the future? From charge stickers on every item, to capitation rates and merit-based incentive pay, we’re all experiencing a transformation in the payment structure of patient care even if we can't quite get our minds around it. In this First Case Vendor Spotlight™ interview, we dive into this hot topic in healthcare wi...
My First Heart Surgery
November 02, 2022 09:00 - 5 minutes - 8.02 MBIn this week's episode of the First Case "Articles On-The-Go" series, written by Lindsey Joyce, MSN, RN, CNL, CNOR, she shares her experience scrubbing an open heart case for the very first time. "Repetition is the key to mastering any surgical specialty. The major portions of a CABG that require precise knowledge of steps is cannulation (going on the heart/lung machine) and doing anastomosis. You better know those steps backwards, forwards and in your sleep or else things can go bad fast....
Let's Talk! A Candid Chat with Co-Host Melanie Perry
October 31, 2022 09:00 - 31 minutes - 14.6 MBDid the Operating Room seem just a little overwhelming during orientation? Did you rethink your decision to come to the OR after experiencing how different it was from other departments? In today's interview with First Case Co-Host Melanie Perry, find out how she would answer those questions, and learn why, as an experienced nurse, she decided to make the move to the Operating Room. Join us today for a candid conversation with Melanie, and get to know your co-host a little better! Love our...
The Power of Precision
October 28, 2022 09:00 - 40 minutes - 18.5 MBSurgeons need high-quality instruments that are dependable and guaranteed to work, every single time. But not all surgical instruments are created equal in terms of precision, durability, and quality. In today’s First Case Vendor Spotlight, Dr. Mark Jewell, a recognized world leader in plastic surgery, shares his experiences using Stille instruments, which are exclusively distributed in the US by Synovis, MCA. Did you know that the vast majority of Stille instruments are handcrafted by their...
Surgery Inventory Management & Control Tips
October 19, 2022 09:00 - 2 minutes - 3.66 MBIn this week's episode of the First Case "Articles On-The-Go" series, written by Paul Wafer, BS, MBA, RN, he shares 5 tips to get started controlling the inventory of the surgery department. "By standardizing our processes, our teams know where to look for supplies, and our materials management teams can more easily keep our shelves stocked. This has the added benefit of improving our efficiency and productivity. And by keeping open lines of communication, we are reducing the possibility o...
A Safer Standard: Elevating Practice to Prevent Surgical Fires
October 14, 2022 09:00 - 37 minutes - 17.3 MBWhat if there were an intuitive solution that could help prevent surgical fires and related patient burns? Would you have greater peace of mind if you knew that your patient and the surgical drapes could be protected from the heat generated by your light cables? Joining us in this special Fire Safety Week First Case Vendor Spotlight™ is Kamil Makhnejia, VP of Clinical Development at Jackson Medical, discussing their straight-forward solution that creates a safer standard of care for our pati...
Surgery Block Utilization
October 05, 2022 09:00 - 2 minutes - 4.03 MBIn this week's episode of the First Case "Articles On-The-Go" series, written by Paul Wafer, BS, MBA, RN, he shares how we can increase overall room utilization in surgery. "The ultimate goal of blocks is to improve the overall utilization of the OR by rewarding those physicians that consistently use their time. By taking a deeper look at how block time is released at your facility, and determining whether or not it is specialty-specific, or if you have a one-size-fits-all approach, you c...
Help for Surgical Professionals: Discover the Key to OR Education, Training, & Productivity
September 30, 2022 09:00 - 40 minutes - 18.5 MBIt’s no secret that onboarding new staff is a very resource-intensive process. Traditionally, new hires are at the mercy of their trainer’s experience and competency level, and it can be challenging to ensure that every new surgical resident, surgical technician or OR circulator is receiving a thorough orientation. We need to be able to train our new employees consistently, thoroughly, and effectively – but how? In this First Case Vendor Spotlight, join us in discovering Incision Academy...
Before You Go... Celebrating the Success, Influence, & Retirement of Paul Wafer
September 26, 2022 09:00 - 44 minutes - 20.3 MBIn this special Bonus Episode, we talk to our very own Paul Wafer, BS, MBA, RN. Paul’s 45 year career has spanned every position in healthcare, from orderly, to OR nurse, to CEO, and entrepreneur. Join us as we celebrate his contributions to the operating room, reflect on the mentors who shaped him throughout his career, and listen as he shares valuable lessons that he learned along the way. While he may be retiring, and stepping down from his role as co-host of the podcast, he will always b...
How to Help Experienced Nurses Succeed in the OR
September 21, 2022 09:00 - 3 minutes - 5.44 MBIn this week's episode of the First Case "Articles On-The-Go" series, written by Lindsey Joyce, MSN, RN, CNL, CNOR, she shares 5 tips to help new-to-the-OR, experienced nurses succeed in the operating room. "Whatever the reason [the nurse came to the OR], we want to ensure they have a successful transition from their previous specialty to the peri-operative specialty." ---- Articles On-the-Go presents perioperative insights from written articles in a creative, easy to listen, audio fo...
Perioperative Balance
September 14, 2022 09:00 - 2 minutes - 4.09 MBIn this week's episode of the First Case "Articles On-The-Go" series, written by Paul Wafer, BS, MBA, RN, he discusses the many changes he has seen since 1977, and what he has learned in the process. "So, this brings me back to the patient. We get so wrapped up in meeting performance targets that the patient becomes an afterthought. We have to strive for balance in achieving realistic goals with personalized care. Because, after all, our patients are our primary focus, and the reason t...
How to Help New Grads Succeed in the OR
August 31, 2022 09:00 - 3 minutes - 4.79 MBIn this week's episode of the First Case "Articles On-The-Go" series, written by Lindsey Joyce, MSN, RN, CNL, CNOR, she shares insight into how we can help new grads find success in the Operating Room. "New grads in the OR will be one of the answers to the nursing shortage that’s plaguing many institutions across the country. It’s up to us to help them succeed so they want to stay in the OR for their nursing profession." ---- Articles On-the-Go presents perioperative insights from writ...
Pre-Admission Testing
August 17, 2022 09:00 - 3 minutes - 5.09 MBIn this week's episode of the First Case "Articles On-The-Go" series, written by Paul Wafer, BS, MBA, RN, he evaluates the Pre-Admission Testing department, and explains ways to improve efficiency. "Finding ways to make it easier for the RNs in Pre-Admission Testing to collect information and improving efficiency within this department will reduce cost and esure that all patient information is available prior to the patient's procedure." ---- Articles On-the-Go presents perioperative ...
To Flip or Not to Flip? That is the Question...
August 03, 2022 09:00 - 2 minutes - 3.82 MBIn this week's episode of the First Case "Articles On-The-Go" series, written by Paul Wafer, BS, MBA, RN, he discusses what factors should be considered when determining whether or not to allow a surgeon to flip rooms. "One of the most important variables is how many cases can be done in a day, and how consistent the surgeon is in bringing enough volume to fill a day." Tune in to hear more! ------- Articles On-the-Go presents perioperative insights from written articles in a creative,...
A Voice from the Frontline: Demystifying OR Satisfaction
July 25, 2022 09:00 - 36 minutes - 16.7 MBWhat’s is like to leave a position in perioperative leadership and go back to working as an OR circulator? If you ask Dr. Jessica Gruendler, DNP, RN-BC, CNOR, CPHQ, it’s wonderful! Jessica began her career in the operating room as a surgical tech, earned her nursing degree, and spent the last 20 years in perioperative leadership positions. She recently stepped back into the role of a staff nurse, and brought her leadership perspective with her. With her unique perspective, she’s been able t...
Protect Your Sterile Field
July 22, 2022 09:00 - 27 minutes - 12.6 MBShould sterile fields be covered? What do the guidelines say? How can you cover them safely? Tune in to this exciting First Case Vendor Spotlight with Laurel Stebbins, Clinical Specialist at TIDI Products, to get the answers to these questions and more! Sterile-Z is the only product on the market designed specifically to cover the sterile field. In this exclusive interview, we discuss the common practices and misconceptions about covering sterile fields and go over the current AORN guideline...
Instrument Tray Optimization
July 20, 2022 09:00 - 2 minutes - 3.28 MBWhen was the last time your surgical instrument tray "recipes" were revised? Was it when you added something new? What about when an instrument is removed? In this week's episode of the First Case "Articles On-The-Go" series, written by Paul Wafer, BS, MBA, RN, he discusses how our trays and count sheets should be optimized so that our trays are accurate and so that unused instruments are removed. "By optimizing the trays, you are apt to find improved accuracy rates and fewer missing items."...
What's the Pref Card Say? Uncovering the Realities of Preference Card Management
July 18, 2022 09:00 - 26 minutes - 12.3 MB(Between Season 9 & 10, we're re-releasing some of our most popular interviews from Season 4!) How many times have you been burned because you set up based on what the preference card said? We’ve all done it, and we’re all a little leery of trusting our preference cards, because we expect them to be wrong. On today’s episode of First Case, we’re talking all things preference cards with Dr. Lenita Williamson, MD, CEO & Founder of ProcedureCard, Inc. We’ll talk about the common problems, how c...
Whose Job is it Anyway? Recognizing the Importance of Instrument Care in the OR
July 11, 2022 09:00 - 34 minutes - 15.6 MBHave you ever opened a tray and thought, “What happened to my instruments?!” Despite being a frustration, instruments that are damaged, broken, or have any staining or pitting can ultimately cause harm to our patients. We’re talking all things instruments today with Michael Matthews, Director of Customer Training and Education at Agiliti. Do you know why saline damages instruments? Do you know why spraying enzymatic cleaner on your instruments is so important? Do you know what causes stainin...
New Grads in the OR
July 06, 2022 09:00 - 6 minutes - 9.44 MBThis week's episode of the First Case "Articles On-The-Go" series is written by Melanie Perry, BSN, RN, CNOR, CSSM. In it she draws an interesting parallel between what she noticed in a hair salon and how we should be treating new grads in our own department. "New grads are eager to learn. When we're willing to bring them into the environment, or department, that they want to work in, and then we take the time to invest in them, we create that career OR nurse who is confident, secure in t...
Season 1 Rewind - The Hole Story: Confronting Sterile Processing Challenges in the OR
June 27, 2022 09:00 - 42 minutes - 19.2 MB[Between seasons 3 and 4, First Case will be throwing it back to some of our exciting episodes from season 1!] We can’t perform an operation or an invasive procedure if we don’t have sterile instruments. It almost goes without saying, but sterility is fundamental to what we do in the operating room. Confirming that our instruments and trays are sterile is of paramount importance every time we set up for a case. Helping us discuss this important issue today is Hank Balch, Founder and Presiden...
How To Make Procedure Day More Efficient and Cost Effective
June 22, 2022 09:00 - 2 minutes - 4.01 MBThis week's episode of the First Case "Articles On-The-Go" series is written by Paul Wafer, BS, MBA, RN. In it he offers practical suggestions that can make procedure day more efficient and cost effective. If you have trouble getting your first cases of the day started on time, then you don't want to miss Paul's 4 key areas of opportunity that will help improve those on-time starts! ------- Articles On-the-Go presents perioperative insights from written articles in a creative, easy ...
Season 1 Rewind - From Ear to Ear: Improving the Lives of Children with Microtia... One 3-D Ear at a Time
June 20, 2022 09:00 - 41 minutes - 18.9 MB[Between seasons 3 and 4, First Case will be throwing it back to some of our exciting episodes from season 1!] How does architecture influence plastic surgery? For pediatric plastic surgeon Dr. Sheryl Lewin, MD, her art and architecture background has influenced her ability to innovate and design the ear-making process for patients with microtia and atresia. Join us today as we discuss her unique work, learn about the special 3-D process she uses for creating implants, and hear how she’s cha...
Season 1 Rewind - Perioperative Nursing Electives: Bringing the OR Back to Nursing Schools
June 13, 2022 09:00 - 39 minutes - 17.9 MB[Between seasons 3 and 4, First Case will be throwing it back to some of our exciting episodes from season 1!] How many times has it been said, "New grads need to work in Med-Surg prior to working in the OR."? While most nursing schools focus on Med-Surg during clinicals, there are many students who really feel called to the operating room. Sending them to Med-Surge first for "experience" doesn't give them specific OR experience, and delays their entry into the OR. Tune in as we discuss this...
Season 1 Rewind - Tune Out or Time Out: Our Last Chance to Get Surgery Right
June 06, 2022 09:00 - 28 minutes - 13 MB[Between seasons 3 and 4, First Case will be throwing it back to some of our exciting episodes from season 1!] “Everyone please stop all activity for the time out.” How many times do you hear this sentence every single day? Do you actually stop? Do you actively participate in the time out? On this week's episode of the First Case podcast, we sat down with OR Circulator Brenna Page, MSN, RN, CNOR, CNAMB to discuss this fundamental of patient safety in the OR. The time out is our last chance t...
Season 1 Rewind - The Times They Are A'Changing: 65 Years As An Operating Room Nurse
May 30, 2022 09:00 - 38 minutes - 17.8 MB[Between seasons 3 and 4, First Case will be throwing it back to some of our exciting episodes from season 1!] Can you imagine an operating room where nothing was disposable? Where drapes were made out of cloth, IV bottles were made out of glass, and where you powdered the surgeon’s gloves before sending them to be sterilized? On this episode of the First Case podcast, we sit down with Monica Weisbrich, BSN, RN, to discuss what the OR looked like in 1955 when she walked in as a new nurse. Tu...
The Burden of Perfection - And How to Carry It
May 23, 2022 09:00 - 7 minutes - 10.7 MBThis week's episode of the First Case "Articles On-The-Go" series is written by Melanie Perry, BSN, RN, CNOR, CSSM. In it she discusses something that has become so engrained in us as healthcare professionals, that we might not even realize that it exists. "Think about it: we work in a high-stakes, high-risk environment. One mistake could cost a patient their lives, or cost us our license and careers. There really is no room for error. But we come to work, day in and day out, shouldering ...
Surviving the Joint Commission: 4 Helpful Tips
May 09, 2022 09:00 - 3 minutes - 5.05 MBThis week's episode of the First Case "Articles On-The-Go" series is written by Melanie Perry, BSN, RN, CNOR, CSSM. In it she discusses her experience with a Joint Commission survey, and shares 4 helpful tips to decrease any anxiety you may have about speaking with a surveyor. Tune in to hear Melanie's advice and increase your confidence when answering questions during a survey! ------- Articles On-the-Go presents perioperative insights from written articles in a creative, easy to lis...
Do Unto Others: Giving the Gift of Surgery
May 02, 2022 16:00 - 28 minutes - 13.1 MBBetween Seasons 6 & 7, we're releasing some of our most popular episodes from Season 3! What’s it like for patients around the world who need surgery? What access do they have to medical care? Joining us today is Dr. Michael Redler, MD, an orthopedic surgeon on the Physician Leadership Board of One World Surgery. He has been involved with medical missions for many years, and he's sharing his experiences with us today! Tune in as we discuss how medical missions benefits underserved communit...
It'll All Come Out in the Wash: Decontaminating the Relationship Between OR and SPD
April 25, 2022 16:00 - 34 minutes - 15.8 MBBetween Seasons 6 & 7, we're releasing some of our most popular episodes from Season 3! There’s generally a transactional relationship between the OR and SPD. The SPD gives, and the OR takes. And that relationship is usually hindered with break downs in communication and a lack of respect – from both sides of the autoclave. We’re discussing ways to improve that relationship today with Brian Dolan, MHSA, CMRP, CRCST, CHVAP, LSSGB, VP of Resource Management at Bayhealth Medical Center in Dov...
The Elusive Consistency of Perioperative Productivity
April 25, 2022 09:00 - 15 minutes - 21.3 MBThis week's episode of the First Case "Articles On-The-Go" series is written by Paul Wafer, BS, MBA, RN. In it he discusses the different factors that affect productivity in the operating room. "One of the greatest challenges to matching productivity standards and achieving a benchmark is ensuring that you are including and excluding similar roles within the department." Tune in to learn more about productivity and find out what questions you must consider before determining the product...
Preparing for the Future: Using Predictive Analytics in Perioperative Succession Planning
April 18, 2022 16:00 - 41 minutes - 19.1 MBBetween Seasons 6 & 7, we're releasing some of our most popular episodes from Season 3! Does your current staffing model account for succession planning? Are you prepared for loss in your department from resignation, promotion, or retirement? Continuing our discussion on predictive analytics in staffing, and now in succession planning, is Jason Goodwin, MPH, MSN, RN, CEO of Innovative Cultures, LLC. Tune in as he shares how he improved succession planning within his own department through ...
Passionate About Neuro: A Candid Discussion About Working in This Surgical Specialty
April 11, 2022 16:00 - 32 minutes - 15.1 MBBetween Seasons 6 & 7, we're releasing some of our most popular episodes from Season 3! Neuro can be a little overwhelming, and if it’s not your regular service line, scrubbing those cases can really make you nervous. Joining us today to share her experience in Neuro and to help make the service seem a little less daunting is Alyssa Bittel, CST. Alyssa has been a surgical tech for ten years in a Level 1 Trauma Center in Central New York, and she loves all things Neuro. Tune in to hear the ...
What Happens When No One Is Watching?
April 11, 2022 09:00 - 9 minutes - 13.5 MBThis week's episode of the First Case "Articles On-The-Go" series is written by Melanie Perry, BSN, RN, CNOR, CSSM. In it she discusses how dangerous it can be to have an attitude that says, "that might be how we're 'supposed' to do it, but let me show you how we really do it." "When an attitude or culture exists within an OR that allows, or even prioritizes, personal preference or convenience over following established guidelines designed to ensure patient safety or prevent infection, we...
Making the Grade: Improving Scrub Tech Success with Sterile Processing Education
April 04, 2022 16:00 - 29 minutes - 13.6 MBBetween Seasons 6 & 7, we're re-releasing some of our most popular episodes from Season 3! Surgical Techs – how much training did you receive in the Sterile Processing Department (SPD) while you were in school? Do you feel like the training you received gave you an adequate understanding of SPD? Joining us today to discuss SPD training is Eboni Saurage, EdD, CST, Assistant Professor of Surgical Technology at Baton Rouge Community College in Baton Rouge, LA. Eboni developed a program withi...
The Perioperative Efficiency Continuum
March 30, 2022 14:30 - 4 minutes - 5.74 MBThis week's episode of the First Case "Articles On-The-Go" series is written by, Paul Wafer, BS, MBA, RN where he discusses how both "sequential processes and parallel processes must be performed like a symphony orchestra to perform a flawless case." Tune in to hear Paul address these different processes and how they can be improved to increase efficiency. ------- Articles On-the-Go presents perioperative insights from written articles in a creative, easy to listen, audio format. Think aud...
Season 1 Throwback: Ready for Robotics? What You Need to Know Before You Start
March 28, 2022 09:00 - 33 minutes - 15.1 MBBetween Seasons 2 and 3, First Case will be throwing back to some of our top episodes from the first season. Robotic surgery has become the gold standard for many minimally invasive surgeries, but getting the technology set up in the operating room involves more than just buying a machine. Is our OR big enough? Do we have the right instruments and sterile supplies? What about sterile processing? These questions (and so many more!) must be answered before robotic surgeries can begin in any...
Season 1 Throwback: Present & Accounted For - The Importance of Visible OR Leadership
March 21, 2022 09:00 - 32 minutes - 14.8 MBBetween Seasons 2 and 3, First Case will be throwing back to some of our top episodes from the first season. OR managers & directors, when was the last time you wore scrubs at work? When was the last time you were physically present in the OR? Do your staff members know what you look like? Being a visible director in a busy OR is challenging, and can be difficult to manage alongside other leadership responsibilities. Finding balance in your level of engagement between staff, anesthesia,...
Season 1 Throwback: Up, Down, & Around - What You Need to Know About OR Air Flow
March 14, 2022 09:00 - 38 minutes - 17.8 MBBetween Seasons 2 and 3, First Case will be throwing back to some of our top episodes from the first season. How clean is the air in your OR? Is the HEPA filter and the positive pressure of the room enough to protect your patient from contaminants in the air, or is there more to it than meets the eye? Join us in this eye-opening episode as we discuss infection prevention with air expert Dr. Linda D. Lee, public health practitioner and president of Linda D. Lee Healthcare Consultants. We’l...
Orientation in Surgery: How to be Successful
March 07, 2022 10:00 - 6 minutes - 9.13 MBThis week's episode of the First Case "Articles On-The-Go" series is written by Melanie Perry, BSN, RN, CNOR. In it she discusses her experience during orientation in the operating room, and shares helpful tips for anyone else on orientation. "I will never forget my first day on orientation in surgery. Total information overload - I had a deer-in-the-headlights look that everyone could see from a mile away. I watched a surgeon do a knee scope and I remember thinking, "What have I gotten m...
Season 1 Throwback: Divided We Fail - Overcoming the Damaging Drama of OR / SPD Battles
March 07, 2022 10:00 - 32 minutes - 14.8 MBBetween Seasons 2 and 3, First Case will be throwing back to some of our top episodes from the first season! "Where's my tray?" "How'd you break the scope?" "Why aren't you precleaning?" "Agh, they messed it up again!" If you’ve worked in the operating room for any amount of time, you know that the relationship between the OR and SPD can be strained. For two departments that so heavily depend upon each other, the relationship is oftentimes more of a blame game than one of cooperation, mut...
Season 1 Throwback: Inaugural Episode: Meet the Hosts and Hear the Vision for First Case
February 28, 2022 10:00 - 32 minutes - 14.7 MBBetween Seasons 2 and 3, First Case will be throwing back to some of our top episodes from the first season. Whether you scrub or circulate, work as front-line staff or serve in leadership, the operating room can be a uniquely challenging but extremely rewarding career. On this inaugural episode of the First Case podcast, get to know our experienced OR hosts who understand firsthand what it’s like to love, hate, and work in the Operating Room (depending on the day!). Tune in as they layou...
Breaking Bottlenecks: Improving Efficiency with Healthcare Systems Engineering
February 21, 2022 10:00 - 39 minutes - 17.9 MBHow many times does a patient come in for surgery, only to experience delays that have nothing to do with them? For example, lack of available beds on the floor leads to PACU filling up with patients, which then prevents the OR from continuing because they can’t send their patients to recovery, and suddenly the next patients coming in experience a bottleneck of delays that they had no part of or control over. Every day, breakdowns in our communication and our processes prevent us from maximi...