First Case Podcast

Are anti-microbial curtains making us feel safer than we are? "Current studies show that even pre-treated textiles can become contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms. It is unfortunate that this "fecal patina" is not visible to the naked eye because this limitation allows for curtains to be bypassed for months by EVS management." This is episode 9 of our 12-Part Expert Series On-The-Go series!...

"Have you ever wondered what happens to items like used facemasks, gowns, or even those "recyclable" privacy curtains? You may assume they go "away," but did you know there is no "away" when it comes to these Single Use Disposables (SUDs)?" Find out more in today's Expert Series On-The-Go! This is episode 8 of our 12-Part Expert Series On-The-Go series! In this series, we're learning from industry...

In this episode, Karen dispels the myths surrounding UV-C light disinfection for privacy curtains, and discusses how UV-C light disinfection is less efficient than laundering. Plus, discover how long it can take to adequately terminally clean a patient room if the privacy curtain is exchanged as well.  This is episode 7 of our 12-Part Expert Series On-The-Go series! In this series, we're learning...

We're halfway through our 12-Part Expert Series On-The-Go series! In this 6th episode, we're continuing the conversation with industry expert Karen Goelst, CEO and Founder of KleenEdge. With a 20-year background in architectural specialties and textiles, Karen became passionate about solving the issues surrounding privacy curtains following her 15-year-old son's hospital stay with MRSA. In this ep...

What does advocacy look like within your facility? How can you speak to leadership in a way that can bring about change? Joining us to answer these burning questions is Dustin Cain, Coordinator of Quality and Education at a hospital in Atlanta, GA, and Current Treasurer for AST. In this final episode of Season 10 we'll discuss the benefits of belonging to your professional organization and learn w...

Welcome to episode 5 of our 12-Part Expert Series On-The-Go series, where we're continuing the conversation with industry expert Karen Goelst, CEO and Founder of KleenEdge! With a 20-year background in architectural specialties and textiles, Karen became passionate about solving the issues surrounding privacy curtains following her 15-year-old son's hospital stay with MRSA. In this episode, Karen...

For all of us working in healthcare, it's clock in and clock out, day in and day out. We're accustomed to the atmosphere of the facility, we understand how the clinics and systems work, and we know our way around the place. As we talk today with  Claudia Cometa, Executive Healthcare Consultant and Owner at Peace Advocacy Group , we'll be reminded that each of the patients who walk through our door...

 Do you ever wish there was an extra set of hands available to help hold forceps or a pair of scissors during a case? What if you could add this convenience and efficiency by using instrument pockets? In this exciting First Case Vendor Spotlight ™ , we learn all about the innovative development of the SmartGown ™ EDGE Breathable Gown with ASSIST ™ Instrument Pockets with surgeon and co-inventor, D...

This is episode 4 of our 12-Part Expert Series On-The-Go series, and we're continuing the conversation with industry expert Karen Goelst, CEO and Founder of KleenEdge. With a 20-year background in architectural specialties and textiles, Karen became passionate about solving the issues surrounding privacy curtains following her 15-year-old son's hospital stay with MRSA. In this episode, discover th...

In this third episode of our 12-Part Expert Series On-The-Go series, we're continuing the conversation with industry expert Karen Goelst, CEO and Founder of KleenEdge. With a 20-year background in architectural specialties and textiles, Karen became passionate about solving the issues surrounding privacy curtains following her 15-year-old son's hospital stay with MRSA. In this episode, find out ho...

How can I get involved with my local or state government? Can I make a difference? The answer to both questions is, "YES!" Joining us today to discuss advocacy at a local and state level is Megan Nolan, Director of Nursing and Patient Care Operations @ Boston Children's Hospital. In today's interview we'll discover Megan's motivation for advocacy, how she used that motivation to become involved wi...

Tune in for the second episode of our 12-Part Expert Series On-The-Go series, where we learn from industry expert Karen Goelst, CEO and Founder of KleenEdge. With a 20-year background in architectural specialties and textiles, Karen became passionate about solving the issues surrounding privacy curtains following her 15-year-old son's hospital stay with MRSA. Follow along as Karen highlights the c...

In this 12-Part Expert Series On-The-Go series, we're learning from industry expert Karen Goelst, CEO and Founder of KleenEdge. With a 20-year background in architectural specialties and textiles, Karen became passionate about solving the issues surrounding privacy curtains following her 15-year-old son's hospital stay with MRSA. Follow along as Karen highlights the current issues with cloth priva...

 Have you ever considered how important it is for those of us who work in healthcare to be at the forefront of healthcare innovation? In today's discussion, we're going to speak with a prominent voice in healthcare reform, Rebecca Love, Chief Clinical Officer at IntelyCare . Discover the current state of nursing and what historical events led up to the current reimbursement models we find ourselve...

This week's episode of the First Case "Articles On-The-Go" series is written by Melanie Perry, BSN, RN, CNOR. In it she discusses realities of patient care in the OR, and the misconceptions that other nursing departments have about the job that we do.  "I work in a very specialized field. A lot of the skills I learned in nursing school and then practiced when I worked on the floor just don't apply...

Have you ever wanted to make the jump from bedside nurse to business owner? In this Special Release interview with Cara Lunsford, RN, CPHON, and VP of Community at Nurse.com, we're going to find out what motivated her to step away from the bedside and into the world of entrepreneurship. Tune in to hear her story and to learn about the nursing community she has created. Plus, discover tips for gett...

Surgical Technologists play a critical role in Infection Prevention. Their knowledge of aseptic technique and their ability to safeguard the surgical field from breaks in sterility are crucial for positive patient outcomes. Joining us today to discuss the education, training, and role of surgical techs in Infection Prevention is Ron Kruzel, Executive Director at ARC/STSA. In this interview we'll u...

How much time do you spend making surgical slush before or during a case? Have you ever considered how long your open surgical slush is exposed to airborne contaminants and fluid-loving pathogens?  In this First Case Vendor Spotlight TM  we sit down with Ruth Stachura, MBA, RN, Vice President Business Development at  ° C Change Surgical,  to discover the benefits of a closed and fully-automated su...

Have you ever heard the term "surgical conscience"? Do you know what it means? Joining us today to discuss this critical component in surgical care is Danielle Quintana, PhD, MSN-ED, RN, CNOR-E, Assistant Professor, University of Houston Gessner College of Nursing. Tune in as we discover what defines surgical conscience, the 3 components that is has, and how surgical conscience is connected with i...

Have you ever wondered just what the Infection Preventionist (IP) was doing when they came into your Operating Room? Well, you're not alone! In this season premiere of Season 9, we speak to Jill Holdsworth, Manager of Infection Prevention at Emory University Hospital Midtown. In this episode, we're going to learn about the role of the IP in the hospital, what they're looking for when they come int...

"We don't have enough space!" "Where is all of this old equipment supposed to go?" If this sounds familiar, and you've got a basement or warehouse full of old, unused equipment, then tune in to this eye-opening Vendor Spotlight TM  with  Ashley Jackson, VP of Business Development and Curtis McEntire, Founder and CEO at  Mazree . Most hospitals do not have an asset disposition program, which leaves...

Simulation is seen as a valuable educational resource to aid in staff development, but competing demands for time and resources can present challenges in incorporating this hands-on learning into perioperative education plans. Listen to this session from OR Manager Conference 2022 to learn new ways to work hands-on learning into your staffing schedule. The next OR Manager Conference is September 1...

We've partnered with OR Manager to bring you a bonus special-release episode! Tune in to this session from OR Manager Conference 2022, Understanding Health Equity through Clinical Storytelling, to learn the historical precedence and the social determinants of health, how quality care delivery requires that clinicians listen to and respect their patients' individual narratives, backgrounds, and exp...

While we wait for Season 18, here's a throwback to Season 8!  How do our body language, our situational awareness, and our ability to listen play into our ability to communicate? Find out in today's interview with Kristy Wheeler, RN and OR Nurse Leader! Listening is a critical component of communication, and we can't communicate effectively if we can't listen. Developing good listening skills is i...

Have you ever grabbed a power tool off of your backtable only to be horrified when bioburden fell out of it? If you've ever experienced this, you'll want to tune in to this First Case Vendor Spotlight TM  with Jason Moonen, Product Manager at Aesculap! We're going to discover the ELAN® 4 Power System today, the only micro power system that you can flush internally from proximal to distal end. This...