Tracheotomy is an invasive method of opening and maintaining the airway. The procedure is indicated for numerous life-threatening conditions, such as upper airway obstruction, trauma, tumorous formations, or the need for prolonged mechanical ventilation of the lungs in intensive care units. Tracheotomy offers a wide range of advantages compared to other artificially developed airways including decreased lower airway resistance, greater patient comfort, communication and interaction with the environment and family members, reduced need for sedation and analgesics, oral feeding and easier patient care. The procedure consists of opening the trachea below the larynx, creating a hole or stoma that allows breathing. Depending on the method of performance, tracheotomy can be surgical or percutaneous. Both methods require the insertion of a cannula into the hole to keep it steady. The cannula is a curved hollow tube made of metal, plastics or silicone and can have a different number of parts depending on the design. Since the tracheostoma is an artificial opening and the cannula is a foreign body in the respiratory tract, there is a risk of complications requiring careful and responsible treatment. As regards duration, tracheostoma can be temporary or permanent. Consequently, we can talk about the effect of the tracheostoma on various aspects of the quality of life of tracheostomized persons such as work activity, social contacts and social life, the impact of the tracheostoma on feeding and speaking and many others. Patients with a tracheostoma are supported by various healthcare professionals and members of helping professions such as psychologists and speech therapists. Their activities focus on therapy and rehabilitation aspects which are not directly related to health care but contribute significantly to the overall treatment and recovery. The nurse is an active participant in performing the tracheotomy, but also in carrying out all activities related to preparation before and after the procedure. As an active member of the medical team, she has a multi-faceted role which is primarily reflected in preparing patients for the tracheotomy procedure and participating therein, as well as in the medical care of the tracheostoma, identifying challenges and complications related to the stoma, informing and educating patients and their families and planning support outside the healthcare facility.