Podcast: First Case

The Perioperative Efficiency Continuum

This week’s episode of the First Case “Articles On-The-Go” series is written by, Paul Wafer, BS, MBA, RN where he discusses how both “sequential processes and parallel processes must be performed like a symphony orchestra to perform a flawless case.” Tune in to hear Paul address these different processes and how they can be improved…

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Orientation in Surgery: How to be Successful

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 her experience during orientation in the operating room, and shares helpful tips for anyone else on orientation. “I will never forget my first day on orientation in surgery. Total information overload – I…

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Breaking Bottlenecks: Improving Efficiency with Healthcare Systems Engineering

How many times does a patient come in for surgery, only to experience delays that have nothing to do with them? For example, lack of available beds on the floor leads to PACU filling up with patients, which then prevents the OR from continuing because they can’t send their patients to recovery, and suddenly the…

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Plugging In Your People: Hardwiring Workforce Culture Using Technology

We all know that the OR is an environment that demands vigilance and good-quality, safe, continuous care for our patients. The many advances in technology and our ability to collect data help us to make care customizable, improve our workflows, cut out waste, and reduce redundancy. This allows us to focus on delivering that safe…

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Effective Communication: The Foundation of Patient Safety

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 importance of communication between the entire surgical team, and how fundamental effective communication is to patient safety. “The consent, the surgical posting, the patient interview, the time out, and the handoff are…

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The Numbers Don’t Lie: Using Predictive Analytics in Perioperative Staffing

Is it possible to use data to improve staffing and also increase surgeon, employee, and leadership satisfaction? Does this type of data exist, and can it be collected? The answer to all of these questions is, “YES!” Join us today for an exciting interview with Jason Goodwin, MPH, MSN, RN, CEO of Innovative Cultures, LLC….

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Flipping the Switch: Shedding Light on the Value of OR Educators

The operating room is a unique and sometimes overwhelming environment. A proper education and orientation are vital for building confidence in new employees, and for building a team that lasts. Today we’re interviewing OR educator, Amanda Heitman, BSN, RN, CNOR, founder of Periop Anew, an OR education consulting company. We’re going to discuss the importance…

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The Sticky Truth About Tape

This week’s episode of the First Case “Articles On-The-Go” series is written by Kelly Good, CRNA. In it she tackles the topic of tape and sheds a light on just how dirty our rolls of tape can be.”In the operating room, we all know and love tape! A most adaptable tool, tape serves a wide…

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Getting to the Point: Understanding Certification, CEs, and Points

If I need to submit points to recertify my CNOR, how do I earn them? What are points, and how are they different from CE’s? If recertification leaves you confused, you’re definitely not alone! Join us today for this exciting interview with Jim Stobinski, CEO of CCI. We are going to learn about the CCI…

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Who’s On First? Recognizing the Value of RNFA’s in the OR

Registered Nurse First Assistants, commonly called RNFAs, are an important member of the surgical team. As an assistant in surgery, they practice under the direct guidance of the surgeon, and they collaborate with the surgical team to help achieve optimal patient outcomes. We’re really going to dive into the value that the RNFA provides the…

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