First Case Podcast

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 This episode blends humor, history, and evidence-based practice as we talk about why some habits stick, how outdated ideas persist, and what it means to stay lifelong learners in the perioperative sp...

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 art...

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. Tu...

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 Recover...

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...

A long-standing myth in the operating room continues to circulate is that surgical technologists work under the license of the OR nurse. In this week's episode of First Case, we're setting the record straight. Tune in as we speak with Angel Pickett, Surgical Technology Program Director at Connecticut State Community College, Gateway Campus. Together, we'll explore: The education, training, and cer...

In the high-stakes world of the operating room, precision, teamwork, and focus are essential, but so is taking care of  ourselves. In this week's article, Melanie Perry explores the signs of burnout, its impact on patient safety, and shares practical steps every nurse can take to protect their mental health and preserve their passion for patient care. From recognizing early warning signs to buildi...

🦐 Shellfish Allergy ≠ Iodine Allergy! 🧴 For decades, perioperative teams have avoided iodine-based prep solutions for patients with shellfish allergies, but what if that long-held precaution wasn't necessary? In this week's episode of First Case, we're talking with Laila Bailey, Service Leader for Pediatrics and Urology at Inova Fairfax Hospital, about the myth linking shellfish allergies to iod...

In the fast-paced world of ophthalmology, efficiency shouldn't come at the cost of best practice. The good news? There are proven solutions that eliminate risky practices while still keeping up with high case volumes. In this First Case Vendor Spotlight™, we sit down with Barbara Ann Harmer, Vice President of Clinical Services with ONE TRAY®/IST, to talk about ophthalmology, toxic anterior segment...

When was the last time you stepped outside your service line?  In this week's Articles on the Go , Lindsey Joyce, MSN, RN, CNOR, shares her story of working outside her cardiac specialty, and the unexpected lessons that came with it. From scrubbing a gallbladder case to circulating a robotic procedure, Lindsey reminds us that staying well-rounded isn't just good for our patients, it's essential fo...

Is a cold OR really better for patient infection prevention, or is it just another myth we've been holding onto for too long?  In this week's episode, we're joined by Garret Hollenbeak, System Infection Preventionist at Bon Secours Mercy Health and Editor-in-Chief of our sister podcast, Transmission Control . Together, we dig into the science behind temperature management in the OR, breaking down...

"You can't cover your back table!" or can you? 🤔 For years, many of us were taught that covering a back table was never allowed. But AST and AORN guidelines say otherwise, as long as it's done correctly. Join Melanie Perry and Chris Blevins as they kick off a brand-new season of First Case by busting this long-standing myth. They'll dive into when covering a back table is appropriate, how to do i...

Surgeons are often seen as unshakable figures in the OR, but behind the scalpel lies a human story of triumphs, challenges, and compassion. In today's Articles on the Go , Lindsay Joyce, MSN, RN, CNOR, reviews Brain and Heart: The Triumphs and Struggles of a Pediatric Neurosurgeon by Dr. David Sandberg. From high-stakes neurosurgeries to medical mission trips, this memoir offers an inspiring look...

In 2011, an EF5 tornado ripped through Joplin, Missouri, destroying St. John's Regional Medical Center and claiming 158 lives. Lindsey Joyce narrowly missed being there that day, and now she's sharing her story, along with  five critical tornado preparedness tips every OR team should know. ----- Articles On-the-Go presents perioperative insights from written articles in a creative, easy to listen,...

We've all heard it: "Nursing is a calling." It sounds noble, but this romanticized language has a hidden price. It can normalize burnout, justify unsafe staffing, and excuse inadequate pay, all under the guise of dedication. In this eye-opening episode, Melanie Perry, BSN, RN, CNOR, CSSM, challenges the "calling" narrative and makes a case for recognizing nursing as the highly skilled, indispensab...

It's the Season 16 finale of First Case ! We're wrapping up the season with a conversation you don't want to miss. We sit down with Matt Lowe, Clinical Programs Director for SSIs at Medline, to explore how we can make OR education engaging, relevant, and effective. From gamification and escape-room style learning to the vital role of unit champions, Matt shares strategies to keep staff learning, p...

On this episode of StreetClothes, we speak with a clinician with a passion for chasing waves and finding rhythm in the ocean's tide. From early-morning paddles to the rush of a perfect swell, this surfer blends patience, balance, and energy into every ride. Tune in to hear how Eric Price paddles past the daily grind and chases the thrill of the waves… If you like this series OR have an interesting...

Behind every AORN Guideline is a team of experts, years of research, and a commitment to safe, evidence-based perioperative care. In this week's interview, we sit down with Erin Kyle, Editor-in-Chief of the AORN Guidelines for Perioperative Practice, to uncover exactly how these guidelines are created, vetted, and implemented. Erin takes us inside the process, clears up common misconceptions, and...

Remember playing telephone as a kid? We always laughed with when the message got mixed up. But in the OR, miscommunication can change everything, and even lead to cancelled surgeries or patient safety issues. In this episode, Lindsay Joyce, MSN, RN, CNOR, shares a real-life call-back story that turned into a powerful lesson on why "closing the loop" in communication is essential for patient care,...

Are you preparing for the CNOR exam, or helping others get ready? This week we're joined by Wendy Zander, founder of Zander Perioperative Education, to share expert insight on how to approach CNOR certification with confidence. From study tips and testing strategies to understanding learning styles and building long-term retention, Wendy breaks it all down with practical advice and encouragement....

On this episode of StreetClothes , we speak with a healthcare professional whose passion for style and connection comes to life behind the salon chair. From precision cuts to perfect color blends, this licensed cosmetologist blends artistry and care into every look she creates. Tune in to hear how Dr. Raynetta Stansil brings her signature style to helping people look and feel their best—one trim,...

Death a heavy topic, and one we don't talk about nearly enough. In this episode, Lindsey Joyce, CVOR nurse and First Case content creator shares her firsthand experiences with patient death in the operating room. From the emotional toll of trauma cases to the quiet aftermath of organ procurement, she offers insight, compassion, and practical advice for managing grief, supporting teammates, and pre...

Are you preparing for the CST exam or supporting someone who is? This week, we're joined by Michelle Payne, President of the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), for an in-depth look at what it takes to succeed. Join us as Michelle breaks down what the CST exam really measures and how the questions are developed. We'll also discover the biggest mistakes candidates...

On this episode of StreetClothes , we speak with a clinician with a passion for serving up something smooth, stirred, and served straight up with a twist. From experimenting with unexpected ingredients to selecting the perfect glassware, this mixologist blends flavor and creativity into every cocktail she creates. Tune in to hear how Lindsey Joyce shakes off the day and stirs up something entirely...

Surgery shouldn't be a gateway to opioid addiction. In this First Case Articles on the Go episode, we explore how regional anesthesia and nerve blocks are transforming pain management, reducing opioid use, and improving surgical recovery. Listen now and find out why perioperative blocks are so important and how they're improving patient care. ----- Articles On-the-Go presents perioperative insight...