Podcast: First Case

In between Seasons 10 and 11, we’re rereleasing 4 exciting episodes from Season 5! In this week’s re-release, we’re talking all things fire safety! We’re familiar with fire safety drills, evacuation drills, and we’ve probably taken the same fire safety test (with the same answers) for a few years in a row. Today’s interview with…

In this week’s episode of the First Case “Articles On-The-Go” series, written by Paul Wafer, BS, MBA, RN, he shares how we can increase overall room utilization in surgery. “The ultimate goal of blocks is to improve the overall utilization of the OR by rewarding those physicians that consistently use their time. By taking a…

In between Seasons 10 and 11, we’re rereleasing 4 exciting episodes from Season 5! How can the OR and SPD benefit from strong vendor relationships? How can our current vendor management process be improved? We’re talking all things vendor management on today’s episode of First Case with Jeff Wertz, Chief Commercial Officer at Sergio Health….

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…