Many skills require hands-on practice; but what to do when the necessary equipment is not available? Volunteer instructor Stephanie Lee RN taught medical-surgical nursing at IUBAT College of Nursing in fall semester 2010. She crafted her own tracheotomy tube from cardboard so that students could learn the principles and practice nursing care of this vital device. Probably not suitable for real-life use – but an ingenious work-around for basic instruction. By the way – we are grateful for donations of out-dated or unsterile but useable hospital supplies.