Archives: Episode

It’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…

In 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…

In 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…

In 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…

In 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…

“But I’ve got block time!” insisted the surgeon. “I’m sorry, but your block time was released yesterday and another surgeon has now posted cases in that spot,” said the OR scheduler…. Sound familiar? We seem to have conversations like this frequently. How can we make sure that our policies around block time are well-defined and…

In 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…

Can technology make you safer? How do we find the balance between natural and artificial intelligence and how do we collaborate between both of them? Helping us answer these questions today is Dr. Peter Kim, MD, pediatric surgeon and founder of Activ Surgical. Tune in to learn about the current state of surgery, why surgery…

How many times have you been sent to look for items that have been recalled? How much time did you have to spend digging through bins, looking on shelves, or reading box labels? It can be a very time-consuming, frustrating process. On today’s episode of First Case, we’re talking all about medical device recalls with…

In 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…