Term 2 Skills Day: Tracheostomy Suctioning & Respiratory Care in Practice

As our Vocational Nursing students progress into Term 2, clinical expectations continue to rise — and so does the level of skill required.

This month, our Vocartional Nursing Program conducted a focused Term 2 Skills Day on Tracheostomy (Trach) Suctioning lead by Professor Melvi, RN BSN and Professor Jay, RN MSN, reinforcing one of the most critical airway management skills in nursing practice.

What Is Tracheostomy Suctioning?

Tracheostomy suctioning is a life-sustaining procedure used to:

• Maintain airway patency

• Remove secretions

• Prevent infection

• Improve oxygenation

It is commonly performed in:

• Skilled nursing facilities

• Subacute units

• Long-term care settings

• Home health environments

For vocational nurses, mastering this skill is essential — especially in California, where LVNs play a key role in caring for patients with complex respiratory needs.

Term 2 Skills Day: From Theory to Clinical Application

During this month’s Term 2 Skills Day, students practiced:

• Sterile suctioning technique

• Proper catheter insertion depth

• Monitoring patient response (oxygen saturation, distress cues)

• Infection control and PPE protocols

• Recognizing complications and escalation procedures

This level of training reflects the transition from foundational knowledge in Term 1 to higher-acuity patient care in Term 2.

Simulation-based practice ensures students are prepared before performing these skills in clinical environments.

Why This Skill Matters Right Now

Healthcare facilities across California are currently experiencing ongoing challenges in respiratory care staffing, particularly in:

• Respiratory Therapy (RT) coverage

• Subacute and long-term care settings

• Ventilator-dependent patient populations

As a result, Vocational Nurses are increasingly relied upon to support respiratory care within their scope of practice.

This makes structured training in tracheostomy suctioning more important than ever.

Scope of Practice: LVNs in California

The role of the Vocational Nurse is regulated by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT).

LVNs may perform tracheostomy suctioning under appropriate supervision and in accordance with facility policy, including:

• Direction from a Registered Nurse (RN) or physician

• Following established protocols

• Demonstrated competency validation

It is important to note:

• LVNs do not independently manage ventilators

• Advanced respiratory interventions may require RN or Respiratory Therapist oversight

• Scope may vary depending on the clinical setting

At Meta Polytechnic, we emphasize both clinical skill competency and regulatory awareness.

Preparing Students for Real Clinical Expectations

Term 2 marks a shift into more complex patient care.

Our students are expected to:

• Perform with precision

• Understand escalation protocols

• Work within interdisciplinary teams

• Deliver safe, accountable care

Skills Days like this ensure students are not only prepared — but confident.

Building the Next Generation of Vocational Nurses

At Meta Polytechnic, our goal is to produce nurses who are:

• Clinically competent

• Professionally disciplined

• Legally aware

• Ready for real-world healthcare environments

  
  

This month’s Term 2 Trach Suctioning Skills Day reflects our continued commitment to bridging education with practice.