Best Cnor Podcasts (2026)

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Cancelled Flight vs Cancelled Case 12:07

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1h ago12:07

12:07

What does a canceled flight have in common with a canceled surgical case? More than you might think. In today's article, Lindsay Joyce, MSN, RN, CNOR shares a personal travel story that unexpectedly reframed how she thinks about case cancellations by seeing them through the patient's perspective. Through delays, rebookings, confusion, and loss of c…

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Operation Collaboration: Supply Chain - The Art and Science of Having What You Need 32:11

20h ago32:11

32:11

We're kicking off Season 18 of First Case with a topic that impacts every single case we run, but doesn't always get the spotlight it deserves: supply chain. In this season premiere, we're joined by Gary Skinner of Discover S3 Consulting to talk about what really happens behind the scenes to make surgery possible. From onboarding new surgeons and m…

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Surgical Conscience: Linking Safe Surgery & Infection Prevention 33:48

10d ago33:48

33:48

Have you ever heard the term "surgical conscience"? Do you know what it means? Joining us today to discuss this critical component in surgical care is Danielle Quintana, PhD, MSN-ED, RN, CNOR-E, Assistant Professor, University of Houston Gessner College of Nursing. Tune in as we discover what defines surgical conscience, the 3 components that is ha…

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Christmas Eve in the OR 2:35

13d ago2:35

2:35

In this playful poem, Melanie highlights the hard work of those in the operating room, especially during the holiday season, and reminds us all that what we do every single day makes a difference in the lives of our patients. Happy Holidays! ------- Articles On-the-Go presents perioperative insights from written articles in a creative, easy to list…

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Thriving Through Uncertainty: Modern Approaches to Change Management 31:18

17d ago31:18

31:18

Happy Holidays! As we celebrate the season, we're giving you a special bonus episode of First Case featuring Phyllis Quinlan, RN, President and CEO of MFW Consultants. In this timely conversation, Phyllis shares powerful insights on navigating persistent uncertainty, reframing "change" as growth and evolution, and leading teams with empathy, clarit…

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Top 10: Orthopedic Surgery 6:31

20d ago6:31

6:31

Orthopedics is one of the busiest, and most equipment-intensive, service lines in health care. In this First Case Articles on the Go episode, Lindsay Joyce and Melanie Perry break down the Top 10 (plus one) foundational things every perioperative professional should know about working in orthopedic surgery. From nerve blocks and imaging to implants…

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What is Infection Prevention? Discovering the Role of Infection Preventionists 37:19

22d ago37:19

37:19

Have you ever wondered just what the Infection Preventionist (IP) was doing when they came into your Operating Room? Well, you're not alone! In this season premiere of Season 9, we speak to Jill Holdsworth, Manager of Infection Prevention at Emory University Hospital Midtown. In this episode, we're going to learn about the role of the IP in the hos…

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Stop, Communicate, and Listen: Mastering the Art of Active Listening 34:06

29d ago34:06

34:06

While we wait for Season 18, here's a throwback to Season 8! How do our body language, our situational awareness, and our ability to listen play into our ability to communicate? Find out in today's interview with Kristy Wheeler, RN and OR Nurse Leader! Listening is a critical component of communication, and we can't communicate effectively if we ca…

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Top 10: Gynecology 6:33

1M ago6:33

6:33

Gynecology surgery presents unique challenges that require preparation, precision, and strong clinical awareness. In this new First Case: Articles on the Go episode, Lindsay Joyce, MSN, RN, CNOR, shares 10 essential insights every perioperative professional should know before stepping into a GYN case, from preventing nerve injuries and ensuring pri…

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Your Personalized Self: Understanding the Importance of Self-Advocacy in the Interview Process 42:41

1M ago42:41

42:41

Season 17 has come to an end, but while we wait for Season 18, here's a throwback to Season 8! What should I include on my resume? What questions should I be asking? Discover the answer to these questions and more in today's interview with Krista Whiting, VP of healthcare recruitment at Parkwood International. As an experienced healthcare recruiter…

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Blue Towels, Dirty Loupes, and… Perineal Fallout?! 32:57

1M ago32:57

32:57

In our season finale of First Case, we unpack two OR practices that many of us have seen (or done!), from adjusting surgical loupes with blue towels to the truly legendary myth of "perineal fallout." This episode blends humor, history, and evidence-based practice as we talk about why some habits stick, how outdated ideas persist, and what it means …

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Thanksgiving Top 10 2:52

2M ago2:52

2:52

It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving is next week! As we head into the holiday, it's a good time to reflect on the many things we're grateful for, both personally and professionally. In the latest First Case Articles on the Go, Melanie highlights a thoughtful (and relatable) Top 10 list of things we appreciate most about working in the operating …

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The Truth About Instrument Reprocessing Times 32:40

2M ago32:40

32:40

This week on First Case, we're joined by Bobby Parker from Beyond Clean to tackle a major perioperative myth: instrument reprocessing is quick and easy. Using real workflow examples and years of SPD leadership experience, Bobby breaks down the full lifecycle of an instrument tray, from decontam to assembly to sterilization, and explains why a safe,…

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NPO After Midnight: Fact or Fiction? 32:21

2M ago32:21

32:21

We've all heard it: "Nothing to eat or drink after midnight." But what if that long-standing rule isn't the best thing for our patients? In this week's episode of First Case, we sit down with Lisa Spruce, Senior Director of Evidence-Based Perioperative Practice at AORN, to challenge one of the most ingrained habits in surgical care. Together, we'll…

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Surgeons, Supplies, and the Myth of Unlimited Choice 41:06

2M ago41:06

41:06

Behind every product on the OR shelf is a story of collaboration, evaluation, and evidence-based decision-making, not just a surgeon's request. This week we sit down with Joe Chua, OR Nurse and Value Analysis Professional from Dallas, Texas, to unpack the complex process of how surgical products make it from idea to implementation. Together, we'll …

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Who Do Scrubs Really Work Under? Busting A Common OR Myth 24:31

2M ago24:31

24:31

A long-standing myth in the operating room continues to circulate is that surgical technologists work under the license of the OR nurse. In this week's episode of First Case, we're setting the record straight. Tune in as we speak with Angel Pickett, Surgical Technology Program Director at Connecticut State Community College, Gateway Campus. Togethe…

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Battling Burnout in Nursing 8:41

3M ago8:41

8:41

In the high-stakes world of the operating room, precision, teamwork, and focus are essential, but so is taking care of ourselves. In this week's article, Melanie Perry explores the signs of burnout, its impact on patient safety, and shares practical steps every nurse can take to protect their mental health and preserve their passion for patient car…

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Shellfish Allergy Does Not Equal Betadine Allergy 31:12

3M ago31:12

31:12

🦐 Shellfish Allergy ≠ Iodine Allergy! 🧴 For decades, perioperative teams have avoided iodine-based prep solutions for patients with shellfish allergies, but what if that long-held precaution wasn't necessary? In this week's episode of First Case, we're talking with Laila Bailey, Service Leader for Pediatrics and Urology at Inova Fairfax Hospital, a…

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Eye-Opening Solutions: Rethinking Ophthalmology Practices with ONE TRAY 49:03

3M ago49:03

49:03

In the fast-paced world of ophthalmology, efficiency shouldn't come at the cost of best practice. The good news? There are proven solutions that eliminate risky practices while still keeping up with high case volumes. In this First Case Vendor Spotlight™, we sit down with Barbara Ann Harmer, Vice President of Clinical Services with ONE TRAY®/IST, t…

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Working Outside Your Service Line, The More You Know 3:47

3M ago3:47

3:47

When was the last time you stepped outside your service line? In this week's Articles on the Go, Lindsey Joyce, MSN, RN, CNOR, shares her story of working outside her cardiac specialty, and the unexpected lessons that came with it. From scrubbing a gallbladder case to circulating a robotic procedure, Lindsey reminds us that staying well-rounded isn…

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Room Temp Reality: Evidence, Guidelines, & Practice 27:47

3M ago27:47

27:47

Is a cold OR really better for patient infection prevention, or is it just another myth we've been holding onto for too long? In this week's episode, we're joined by Garret Hollenbeak, System Infection Preventionist at Bon Secours Mercy Health and Editor-in-Chief of our sister podcast, Transmission Control. Together, we dig into the science behind …

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Covering Back Tables: Myths, Risks, & Best Practices 31:53

3M ago31:53

31:53

"You can't cover your back table!" or can you? 🤔 For years, many of us were taught that covering a back table was never allowed. But AST and AORN guidelines say otherwise, as long as it's done correctly. Join Melanie Perry and Chris Blevins as they kick off a brand-new season of First Case by busting this long-standing myth. They'll dive into when …

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Discover A Surgeon's Compassion Beyond the OR 4:13

3M ago4:13

4:13

Surgeons are often seen as unshakable figures in the OR, but behind the scalpel lies a human story of triumphs, challenges, and compassion. In today's Articles on the Go, Lindsay Joyce, MSN, RN, CNOR, reviews Brain and Heart: The Triumphs and Struggles of a Pediatric Neurosurgeon by Dr. David Sandberg. From high-stakes neurosurgeries to medical mis…

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The Joplin Tornado: My Near Miss Experience 10:16

4M ago10:16

10:16

In 2011, an EF5 tornado ripped through Joplin, Missouri, destroying St. John's Regional Medical Center and claiming 158 lives. Lindsey Joyce narrowly missed being there that day, and now she's sharing her story, along with five critical tornado preparedness tips every OR team should know. ----- Articles On-the-Go presents perioperative insights fro…

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The Hidden Cost of Calling 4:54

4M ago4:54

4:54

We've all heard it: "Nursing is a calling." It sounds noble, but this romanticized language has a hidden price. It can normalize burnout, justify unsafe staffing, and excuse inadequate pay, all under the guise of dedication. In this eye-opening episode, Melanie Perry, BSN, RN, CNOR, CSSM, challenges the "calling" narrative and makes a case for reco…

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How Do I... Engage Staff in Education? 42:35

5M ago42:35

42:35

It's the Season 16 finale of First Case! We're wrapping up the season with a conversation you don't want to miss. We sit down with Matt Lowe, Clinical Programs Director for SSIs at Medline, to explore how we can make OR education engaging, relevant, and effective. From gamification and escape-room style learning to the vital role of unit champions,…

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StreetClothes: The Surfer 50:42

5M ago50:42

50:42

On this episode of StreetClothes, we speak with a clinician with a passion for chasing waves and finding rhythm in the ocean's tide. From early-morning paddles to the rush of a perfect swell, this surfer blends patience, balance, and energy into every ride. Tune in to hear how Eric Price paddles past the daily grind and chases the thrill of the wav…

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How Do I... Understand the AORN Guidelines? 40:46

5M ago40:46

40:46

Behind every AORN Guideline is a team of experts, years of research, and a commitment to safe, evidence-based perioperative care. In this week's interview, we sit down with Erin Kyle, Editor-in-Chief of the AORN Guidelines for Perioperative Practice, to uncover exactly how these guidelines are created, vetted, and implemented. Erin takes us inside …

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When Communication Isn't A Game 3:57

5M ago3:57

3:57

Remember playing telephone as a kid? We always laughed with when the message got mixed up. But in the OR, miscommunication can change everything, and even lead to cancelled surgeries or patient safety issues. In this episode, Lindsay Joyce, MSN, RN, CNOR, shares a real-life call-back story that turned into a powerful lesson on why "closing the loop…

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How Do I... Study for the CNOR Exam? 31:36

5M ago31:36

31:36

Are you preparing for the CNOR exam, or helping others get ready? This week we're joined by Wendy Zander, founder of Zander Perioperative Education, to share expert insight on how to approach CNOR certification with confidence. From study tips and testing strategies to understanding learning styles and building long-term retention, Wendy breaks it …

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StreetClothes: The Hairdresser 44:29

5M ago44:29

44:29

On this episode of StreetClothes, we speak with a healthcare professional whose passion for style and connection comes to life behind the salon chair. From precision cuts to perfect color blends, this licensed cosmetologist blends artistry and care into every look she creates. Tune in to hear how Dr. Raynetta Stansil brings her signature style to h…

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How Do I... Cope With Death in the OR? 35:30

5M ago35:30

35:30

Death a heavy topic, and one we don't talk about nearly enough. In this episode, Lindsey Joyce, CVOR nurse and First Case content creator shares her firsthand experiences with patient death in the operating room. From the emotional toll of trauma cases to the quiet aftermath of organ procurement, she offers insight, compassion, and practical advice…

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How Do I... Prepare for the CST Exam? 37:13

5M ago37:13

37:13

Are you preparing for the CST exam or supporting someone who is? This week, we're joined by Michelle Payne, President of the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), for an in-depth look at what it takes to succeed. Join us as Michelle breaks down what the CST exam really measures and how the questions are developed. W…

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StreetClothes: The Mixologist 42:11

5M ago42:11

42:11

On this episode of StreetClothes, we speak with a clinician with a passion for serving up something smooth, stirred, and served straight up with a twist. From experimenting with unexpected ingredients to selecting the perfect glassware, this mixologist blends flavor and creativity into every cocktail she creates. Tune in to hear how Lindsey Joyce s…

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Don't Stop the Block: Transforming Pain Management with Regional Anesthesia 6:27

6M ago6:27

6:27

Surgery shouldn't be a gateway to opioid addiction. In this First Case Articles on the Go episode, we explore how regional anesthesia and nerve blocks are transforming pain management, reducing opioid use, and improving surgical recovery. Listen now and find out why perioperative blocks are so important and how they're improving patient care. -----…

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How Do I... Learn to Scrub? 29:44

6M ago29:44

29:44

Learning how to scrub isn't as simple as just watching a few cases and picking it up as you go—at least, not if we're committed to keeping our patients safe. In this week's episode of First Case, we dive into the complexities of learning to scrub, whether you're starting from scratch in a formal surgical tech program, getting on-the-job training, o…

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How Do I... Engage Surgeons & Improve Workflow? 39:27

6M ago39:27

39:27

We desperately want our ORs to be efficient. So do our surgeons. So why does it feel like productive engagement and communication is often easier said than done? As daunting as it may sometimes seem, engaging with our surgeons is crucial to improving efficiency, communication, and collaboration in the OR. In this episode of First Case, we're joined…

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StreetClothes: The Woodturner 52:42

6M ago52:42

52:42

On this episode of our StreetClothes human-interest podcast series, we talk to a healthcare professional who finds calm, clarity, and a spark of creativity behind the lathe. For him, woodturning is more than just a hobby—it's a release, a reset, and a reminder that even a simple block of wood can become something beautiful with time, focus, and the…

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Cover It & Keep Going: The Clear Solution for Smarter Perioperative Workflows 35:24

6M ago35:24

35:24

Staffing shortages and burnout have left many ORs struggling to stay efficient — but what if there was a simple solution that gave you time back while also protecting your sterile field? In today's First Case Vendor Spotlight™, we're going to learn all about this time and staff saving solution with Laurel Stebbins, Clinical Manager, and Alex Navlet…

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Flip Flops, Chaos, and Life-Saving Moments 5:07

6M ago5:07

5:07

In this week's Article On-the-Go, Lindsey Joyce, MSN, RN, CNOR, shares a humorous glimpse into her experiences as a nurse on call in the CVOR. Known among her colleagues for her "black cloud" reputation, Lindsey recounts rushing into ECMO emergencies in the middle of the night, sometimes in pajamas or flip flops, with no time to spare and lives on …

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How Do I... Learn in the OR 28:15

6M ago28:15

28:15

It's here! Season 16 of the First Case podcast has officially dropped! We're kicking off the season with a raw and relatable conversation all about the questions we don't always feel comfortable asking in the OR — but need to. In this episode, we'll dive into the daily uncertainties that even seasoned professionals face and how to navigate those "I…

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StreetClothes: The Hiker 40:39

6M ago40:39

40:39

On this episode of StreetClothes, we talk to a healthcare professional who spends her time away from the hospital chasing trails and wide-open views. Whether she's trekking solo through Iceland or tackling steep paths with friends, this adventurer finds peace wherever her hiking boots take her. Tune in to hear how Brenna Doran embraces the calm and…

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Infection Prevention: The Ultimate Play Call 4:26

7M ago4:26

4:26

In this week's edition of Articles on the Go, Chris Blevins, CST, FAST, draws a creative parallel between the strategic world of football and the high-stakes environment of the operating room. Just like a zone defense on the field, infection prevention in surgery relies on teamwork, precision, communication, and adaptability. From the offensive lin…

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Beyond the Tap: Why Water Quality Is Critical to Surgical Safety 48:29

7M ago48:29

48:29

When it comes to patient safety, we scrutinize every instrument—but how often do we scrutinize the water used to clean them? In today's First Case Vendor SpotlightTM, we're addressing that critical, yet often overlooked, factor in our surgical and sterile processing outcome - water quality. Joining us is Jeffrey Paquet, CEO of VERDA Water Quality S…

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StreetClothes: The Motorcyclist 38:36

7M ago38:36

38:36

On this episode of our StreetClothes human-interest podcast series, we talk to a healthcare professional whose passion for two wheels brings freedom, focus, and a whole lot of fuel to life outside the hospital. From the thrill of the throttle to the quietness of the long ride, this rider has discovered that nothing clears the mind quite like a full…

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Silent but Deadly: The Ever-Present Danger of Surgical Smoke 4:51

7M ago4:51

4:51

Surgical smoke isn't just unpleasant—it's dangerous. In our latest First Case: Articles on the Go episode, we shed light on the harmful particles released during common surgical procedures—and the risks they pose to perioperative professionals. Despite decades of research confirming the presence of carcinogens, mutagens, and infectious material in …

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StreetClothes: The Bakers 46:12

7M ago46:12

46:12

On this episode of our StreetClothes podcast series, we talk to two healthcare professionals who find comfort, creativity, and a little pinch of calm in the art of baking. Whether it's homemade bagels, a failed bundt cake, or family traditions passed down through generations, these self-taught bakers have each discovered their own flavor of joy in …

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Waiting for the Prep to Dry: Why Dry Times Matter 4:11

7M ago4:11

4:11

Surgical fires remain a serious—yet preventable—risk in the operating room. One critical safety measure? Adhering to the recommended dry times for alcohol-based prep solutions. In this episode of First Case: Articles on the Go, we examine the evidence behind dry time protocols, their role in preventing OR fires and surgical site infections, and the…

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Beyond the Cut: When Medicine Meets Mortality 29:07

8M ago29:07

29:07

Autopsy tech Amanda Krygier joins us in the First Case season finale to pull back the curtain on a rarely discussed, deeply meaningful part of patient care - postmortem care. From collecting organs and evidence to comforting grieving families with answers, Amanda shares how compassion continues— even after life ends. In this episode, we explore: 🧠 …

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Beyond the Cut: Navigating Bias & Justice in the OR 37:00

8M ago37:00

37:00

What happens when the patient on your OR table is an inmate —or a victim of violent crime? 👮‍♂️ This week, we sit down with David Bowman, faculty with the School of Legal Studies at South College in Tennessee, to explore the legal, ethical, and emotional challenges of treating these patients. From chain of custody to managing personal bias, this ep…