Best Cnor Podcasts (2025)

1
How Do I... Study for the CNOR Exam? 31:36

8d 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 …

1
How Do I... Understand the AORN Guidelines? 40:46

13h 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 …

1
When Communication Isn't A Game 3:57

6d 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…

1
StreetClothes: The Hairdresser 44:29

8d 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…

1
How Do I... Cope With Death in the OR? 35:30

15d 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…

1
How Do I... Prepare for the CST Exam? 37:13

22d 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…

1
StreetClothes: The Mixologist 42:11

23d 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…

1
Don't Stop the Block: Transforming Pain Management with Regional Anesthesia 6:27

27d 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. -----…

1
How Do I... Learn to Scrub? 29:44

29d 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…

1
How Do I... Engage Surgeons & Improve Workflow? 39:27

1M 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…

1
StreetClothes: The Woodturner 52:42

1M 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…

1
Cover It & Keep Going: The Clear Solution for Smarter Perioperative Workflows 35:24

1M 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…

1
Flip Flops, Chaos, and Life-Saving Moments 5:07

1M 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 …

1
How Do I... Learn in the OR 28:15

1M 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…

1
Defining Leadership: The Importance of Mentorship, Honesty, & Transparency 45:29

2M ago45:29

45:29

Season 15 has come to an end, and we're anxiously awaiting the launch of Season 16 on July 7, 2025! While we wait, here's a throwback to a great interview from Season 6! What makes a good leader? Are you only a leader if you have a title? Joining us to talk all things Perioperative Leadership is Jennifer Misajet, COO & CNO at Mercy One. In this fin…

1
StreetClothes: The Hiker 40:39

2M 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…

1
Infection Prevention: The Ultimate Play Call 4:26

2M 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…

1
Professional Coaching: Identifying Strengths & Revealing Blindspots 42:35

2M ago42:35

42:35

Season 15 has come to an end, and we're anxiously awaiting the launch of Season 16 on July 7, 2025! While we wait, here's a throwback to a great interview from Season 6! Can professional growth include coaching? How can a career coach help me personally and professionally? You are going to find out today as we sit down with Certified Professional C…

1
Beyond the Tap: Why Water Quality Is Critical to Surgical Safety 48:29

2M 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…

1
Put it on Paper: Writing Articles for Professional Publications 36:57

2M ago36:57

36:57

Season 15 has come to an end, and we're anxiously awaiting the launch of Season 16 on July 7, 2025! While we wait, here's a throwback to a great interview from Season 6! Have you ever thought about sharing your knowledge and expertise by writing articles for nursing magazines? How do you get started? Find out in this informative interview with Judy…

1
StreetClothes: The Motorcyclist 38:36

2M 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…

1
Silent but Deadly: The Ever-Present Danger of Surgical Smoke 4:51

2M 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 …

1
Isolation or Teamwork: Hardwiring Collaboration Into Our Culture 36:06

2M ago36:06

36:06

Season 15 has come to an end, and we're anxiously awaiting the launch of Season 16 on July 7, 2025! While we wait, here's a throwback to a great interview from Season 6! Do you experience collaboration within the departments of your organization, or is each department isolated? Is it possible to measure the degree to which we are collaborating? Bro…

1
Chasing Your Passion: Educating & Advocating for CST Success 45:58

3M ago45:58

45:58

Season 15 has come to an end, and we're anxiously awaiting the launch of Season 16 on July 7, 2025! While we wait, here's a throwback to a great interview from Season 6! If you ask a patient who took care of them in the OR, they’ll definitely remember their surgeon, and they’ll probably remember their anesthetist and their nurse. But, do they ever …

1
StreetClothes: The Bakers 46:12

3M 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 …

1
Waiting for the Prep to Dry: Why Dry Times Matter 4:11

3M 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…

1
Beyond the Cut: When Medicine Meets Mortality 29:07

3M 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: 🧠 …

1
Beyond the Cut: Navigating Bias & Justice in the OR 37:00

3M 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…

1
StreetClothes: The Beekeeper 39:40

3M ago39:40

39:40

On this episode of the StreetClothes podcast series, we talk to a healthcare professional whose passion project is generating some serious buzz in his own backyard! With 31 hives and counting, this busy bee has discovered the joy—minus the occasional sting—and the liquid gold rewards of working with nature’s busiest pollinators. Tune in to hear how…

1
Beyond the Cut: Bridging the Generation Gap 34:53

3M ago34:53

34:53

In this week’s episode of First Case, perioperative consultant Vangie Dennis joins us to explore how generational differences impact patient care. From Traditionalists to Gen Z, each group brings unique values, communication styles, and expectations into the surgical setting. Learn how to tailor your approach, improve patient engagement, and avoid …

1
Who Was Florence Nightingale? 7:41

3M ago7:41

7:41

By First Case Media

1
Beyond the Cut: Improving Outcomes Through Inclusive Care 37:37

4M ago37:37

37:37

In this week's episode of First Case, we sit down with JD Buchert, Director of Workforce Safety at Parkland Health in Dallas, TX, to discuss the unique challenges transgender patients face as they navigate the healthcare setting. Did you know that over 70% of transgender individuals turn to emergency departments for care, often due to discriminatio…

1
StreetClothes: The Doula 44:19

4M ago44:19

44:19

On this episode 4 of the StreetClothes podcast, we talk to Lindsay Brown, a Minnesota clinician who has a passion project unlike any other! Not only does she know where babies come from (every child's eternal question), she also knows how clinical expertise beautifully combines with nurturing care during life's very first moments. Tune in to hear h…

1
Beyond the Cut: Cultivating Cultural Competence 43:19

4M ago43:19

43:19

Delivering truly patient-centered care requires cultural awareness and sensitivity. In this week's episode of First Case, Charlie Lin, Nurse Practitioner and First Assist at Stanford Children’s Pediatric Otolaryngology, shares key considerations for providing culturally competent surgical care to Asian patients. Learn how to recognize cultural diff…

1
Beyond the Cut: Through the Eyes of the Patient 40:03

4M ago40:03

40:03

In this week's episode, we're changing our focus, and seeing the operating room through the eyes of the patient. Becca Kinney—a former sterile processing technician, medical sales representative, and now entrepreneur—joins us to share her personal journey as a breast cancer survivor. With a clinical background and firsthand experience undergoing mu…

1
StreetClothes: The Chicken Tenders 42:19

4M ago42:19

42:19

On this episode 3 of our brand new StreetClothes human-interest podcast series, we talk to two healthcare professionals who have a passion project that's far from fowl play! Not only have they created their own backyard flock of feathered friends, they've also cracked the code for beating those sky-high egg prices! Tune in to hear how Sean Weir & S…

1
Intentionality in Surgical Technology Instruction 4:23

4M ago4:23

4:23

In this week's article, we're diving into the power of purposeful teaching with “Intentionality in Surgical Technology Instruction” originally written by First Case co-host Chris Blevins, CST, FAST. From creating hands-on, realistic lab experiences to flipping the classroom for deeper engagement, this episode highlights how surgical technology educ…

1
Beyond the Cut: The Hidden Influence of Implicit Bias 37:11

4M ago37:11

37:11

Implicit bias - it’s unconscious, it’s uncomfortable, and it affects patient care more than we may realize. In this powerful episode, we sit down with Darlene Murdock, Staff Nurse at Memorial Hermann Hospital, to explore how our own hidden biases can lead to unequal treatment, impact patient outcomes, and create barriers to compassionate care. Darl…

1
Optimizing OR Workflows: The Power of Standardization and Custom Kitting 44:54

4M ago44:54

44:54

What happens when you combine collaboration, efficiency, and standardization in the OR with strategic relationships and data-driven decision-making? You have a success story of operational transformation! Join us in this First Case Vendor Spotlight™ with Randy Subramany, Director of Supply Chain at New York Presbyterian, as we uncover the process t…

1
Beyond the Cut: Recognizing & Respecting Patient Diversity 32:30

4M ago32:30

32:30

Welcome to the Season 15 premiere of First Case! We’re kicking off this season with guest JD Buchert, and diving into the importance of understanding our patients beyond their procedures. In this episode, we explore the importance of seeing patients as individuals rather than just cases. Our conversation covers the role of culturally competent care…

1
StreetClothes: The Guitarist 50:29

4M ago50:29

50:29

On this episode 2 of the StreetClothes podcast, we talk to a well-known voice in the medical device space about bending strings and making his guitar "talk." If you're like many Americans, you've probably got a guitar in a closet somewhere. Some of you may even use your guitar as a much-needed tool to unwind your mind after a crazy day at the hospi…

1
StreetClothes: The Personal Chef 51:29

4M ago51:29

51:29

On this episode 1 of our brand new, human-interest “StreetClothes" podcast series, we talk to a clinician who moonlights as a personal chef in between his travel assignments. Don't listen to this interview on an empty stomach as the smell, taste, and passion for food is strong from beginning to end. But like any good recipe, even this story has a l…

1
Get Ready for AORN Expo 2025! 6:14

5M ago6:14

6:14

The AORN Expo is not just another conference—it’s an immersive, high-energy event packed with education, networking, and hands-on learning opportunities! As thousands of perioperative professionals prepare to gather in historic Boston from April 5–8, 2025, making the most of this experience requires some strategic planning. Whether you’re a first-t…

1
The Dirty Truth About Stethoscopes: An Overlooked Infection Risk 33:49

5M ago33:49

33:49

Ever think about how clean your stethoscope really is? 🤔 On this special release episode of First Case, we’re teaming up with Transmission Control to tackle a hidden but serious infection risk—stethoscope hygiene! Join us as we chat with Scott Mader, CEO & Founder of AseptiScope, about how stethoscopes can become overlooked vectors for infection an…

1
Perioperative Nursing Around the World: OR Nursing in the US Navy 24:37

6M ago24:37

24:37

Season 14 is a wrap! And while we wait for Season 15, we're bringing you an audio version of an interview we did with Stella Yau during Perioperative Nurses Week! In this interview, we're talking with Stella Yau about her experience as a perioperative nurse in the US Navy. As she tells her story, you'll hear about nursing school education in the Un…

1
But, Why? Privileges, Credentials, & Why They Matter 39:33

6M ago39:33

39:33

🚨 SEASON 14 FINALE! 🚨 What happens before a surgeon steps into the OR? How do we know they’re actually qualified to perform a procedure? 🤔 In the Season 14 finale of #FirstCase, we’re pulling back the curtain on credentialing and privileging with Nyleen Flores, Chief Administrative Officer at Lake Oconee Orthopedics. She’s diving deep into the gate…

1
But, Why? Suture 101 - Understanding the Essentials 32:55

6M ago32:55

32:55

Suture is something every OR professional encounters daily, yet many of us were never properly taught how much about them. Why is suture sizing so confusing? What’s the difference between absorbable and non-absorbable sutures, and when should each be used? In this episode of First Case, we’re diving deep into the world of suture, breaking down mono…

1
But, Why? The Truth About Trendelenburg 37:18

6M ago37:18

37:18

Trendelenburg is a common position in the OR, but are we truly positioning patients safely? In this episode of First Case, we welcome back David Gomez, nurse anesthetist and CEO of Infinitus Medical, to uncover the risks, misconceptions, and best practices for safe Trendelenburg positioning. In today's episode we'll discuss: 🔹 Why degree and durati…

1
But, Why? Avoiding Positioning Pitfalls 33:15

7M ago33:15

33:15

Positioning patients in the OR isn’t just about access to the surgical site—it’s about preventing serious injuries. From nerve damage and tissue ischemia to long-term functional impairment, improper positioning can have devastating consequences. But with the right knowledge and attention to detail, many of these injuries are completely preventable.…

1
But, Why? Unpacking the Protection in PPE 28:27

7M ago28:27

28:27

Are all of the PPE rules we have in the OR really necessary? Joining us this week to uncover the purpose behind the rules and guidelines is Jill Holdsworth, Infection Prevention Manager at Emory University Hospital Midtown in Atlanta, Georgia. Tune in as Jill breaks down the basics of PPE and its critical role in the OR. We'll discuss common PPE it…

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