[Born Conservative]

If he has a trach and doesn't get respiratory infections, you certainly must be doing something right.

I work (as a nurse) with 2 children with trachs. One tip you might be able to use: when you wash out the suction container, put a little mouthwash in it. It keeps it from smelling (and kills the germs).

[oceanperch]

Thanks for the tip.
I clean the cannister out A.M. and P.M. and put a new one up once a month so rarely get an oder.
I prefer using my 10% bleach water and then rinsing out twice.
If you work as a Nurse (shift) it is some what more difficult than being one careprovider over seeing one patient round the clock as in other who work the other shifts don't always do all the work on thier shift.
I do basically the same care every 4hrs and expect the same from the gal that provides me with a few hours of respite twice a week.

I change his inner cannula per 4hr shift or sooner if needed and I change out the whole appliance every other day.
The only Hosp. I have ever seen that has all the equip/supplies withen hands reach is Doernbecher Childrens Hosp. and he is way beyond that age now. The few times he has had to be admitted in his adult life I just find it easier to pack all my supplies from home and set up my territory to care for him when we get to the room.

I have been lucky to have some VERY excellant Nurses teach me all that I know when he was peds.

Your two kids are lucky to have you as their Nurse to follow through on care plans.

Also the local Grocery store now keeps anti bacterial wipes by the carts so those of us at high risk can wipe down our carts before shopping.
Very thoughtful.