Home health RN scope of practice

[homehealthRN2013]

What is RN scope of practice for trach care? Can RN change outer cannula? I know we can change inner cannulas. Any home health nurses change outer cannulas in pt's home? If so, what do you do in an emergency?

[SDALPN]

You should refer to your states scope of practice. Each state has a different scope of practice. In my state, as an LPN, we change inner cannulas and trachs with an order stating how often to change it and the size of the trach. The inner cannula is typically cleaned daily and replaced if non-disposable and tossed if disposable and a new one is placed. The size of the inner cannula is also written in the orders.