Archives: Episode

What happens to your instruments during the case matters more than you think. In this interview with Mike Matthews, we break down point-of-use treatment and why sterile processing actually starts in the OR, not decontam. From biofilm risk to instrument damage, this episode highlights how small actions during a case have big downstream consequences. This…

Welcome to a new season of the First Case podcast – Sterile Processing 101! We’re kicking off the season with a conversation that sets the foundation for the entire series and challenges a big misconception: 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗺… 𝗶𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗢𝗥. In this conversation with Jen Parrott, we introduce the…

What do the plaque on your teeth, soap scum, and slippery rocks down by the creek all have in common? They’re all examples of biofilm! But these aren’t the only places that biolfims can form – they can also be found on our surgical instruments and inside our bodies. Joining us today to talk about…

General surgery is where many perioperative nurses begin their OR journey. It’s one of the most diverse and foundational specialties in the operating room, touching everything from colorectal and thyroid cases to breast, abdominal, and head & neck procedures. In this First Case Articles-On-The-Go, Lindsay Joyce, MSN, RN, CNOR breaks down the Top 10 things…

How long can pathogens live on a surface? What is the likelihood that we are transferring organisms from surfaces we touch to our patients or to our family members? Joining us today to discuss microbiology and infection prevention is Dr. Wava Truscott, Director of Regulatory Affairs and clinical Education at Shield Technology, Inc. Learn with…

What is the MAUDE Database, and what does it have to do with the Operating Room? Answering this question and connecting the dots for us today is Dr. Larry Muscarella, PhD, President and Principal at LFM Healthcare Solutions, LLC. Tune in as we dive into the Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) Database, as…

Organ procurement and transplant surgeries are among the most unique and emotionally powerful cases the OR team may encounter. And while they may not happen often, or in every facility, when they do occur, preparation, collaboration, and advocacy matter more than ever. In this First Case Articles-On-The-Go, Lindsay Joyce, MSN, RN, CNOR, walks through the…

What simple, everyday actions are derailing your infection prevention program? Tune in to this discussion with Erica Smith, Surgical Solutions Manager at Henry Schein Medical as we discuss 4 common missteps in Infection Prevention. We’ll discuss how 4, “simple” actions can have significant impact on the health of our patients, and Erica will provide insight…

Cardiac surgery is definitely its own specialty, and not all perioperative professionals are familiar with the CVOR. But we’re all familiar with the fundamentals of infection prevention. Here to highlight the specifics of infection prevention in cardiac surgery is Ruth Statchura, MBA, RN, Vice President of Business Development at C Change Surgical. In this episode,…

When seconds matter and the unexpected becomes routine, trauma teams rise to the challenge. In this First Case Articles On-The-Go: Top 10 Trauma Surgery, Lindsay Joyce, MSN, RN, CNOR, highlights the foundational principles every perioperative professional should understand when facing trauma. From constant readiness and mastering Massive Transfusion Protocols to supporting anesthesia, coordinating multi-specialty teams,…