Archives: Episode

Change What You See In SPD

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 the vital role that SPD plays within the perioperative space, and emphasizes their value to the team. “We can’t operate in a dirty room or with broken equipment. We can’t operate if we…

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When Surgery is Scary: Overcoming Anxiety in Our Pediatric Patients

Surgery can be a scary experience for anyone, especially children. Being in an unknown environment with so many strange faces mixed with the fear of needles, pain, or separation from parents can significantly increase a child’s anxiety, all before they even enter the operating room. Induction of anesthesia only increases that anxiety when we hold…

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Customized By Design: Exploring the Intersection of Safety and Efficiency in Sterile Storage

When it comes to adding space, a hospital has two options: move to a new building and renovate, which can completely disrupt staff operation, or use the current space and invest in a more space-efficient storage system. On this First Case Vendor Spotlight we talk with Ian Loper from DSI about an integrated, high-density storage…

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Sterile Processing Productivity

This week’s episode of the First Case “Articles On-The-Go” series is written by, Paul Wafer, BS, MBA, RN where he discusses the questions we need to ask ourselves when determining the amount of time that should be allocated for processing instruments. “Having a realistic unit of service for the SPD area will ensure that the…

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From Ear to Ear: Improving the Lives of Children with Microtia… One 3-D Ear at a Time

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…

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Do You Have Sufficient Anesthesia Technician Coverage?

This week’s episode of the First Case “Articles On-The-Go” series is written by, Paul Wafer, BS, MBA, RN where he discusses three factors that must be considered when determining how many anesthesia technicians are needed for a department. “By considering the needs of the many different patients that will be in your department each day,…

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Advancing the OR: Understanding the Value of the Clinical Nurse Specialist

Between Season 4 and 5, we’re going to be throwing back to some of our exciting episodes of Season 1! What is a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)? What value can they add to surgical services? On today’s episode of First Case, we explore everything that a CNS does in the OR with Brenda G. Larkin,…

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The Truth About Bad Behavior in the OR

This week’s episode of the First Case “Articles On-The-Go” series is written by Melanie Perry, RN, BSN, CNOR co-host of the First Case podcast and founder of The Circulating Life where she outlines the keys to changing the culture within the OR: ” Bad behavior in the OR isn’t going to change overnight. We need…

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Perioperative Nursing Electives: Bringing the OR Back to Nursing Schools

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…

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Case Cart Best Practices and Common Errors to Avoid

This week’s episode of the First Case “Articles On-The-Go” series is written by Paul Wafer, BS, MBA, RN co-host of the First Case podcast and founder of Alpha Consulting Group, Inc. where he talks about best practices for case carts by looking at who, how, and when a case cart should be picked for a…

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