August Electronic Bulletin

Tuesday, August 18th, 2015
NNCC News Bulletin

August 2015

The electronic news bulletin contains important information for all current certificants as well as those seeking certification. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns. nncc@nncc-exam.org or 888-884-6622.

Sent to those committed to excellence!

IN THIS E-NEWS BULLETIN, PLEASE FIND THE FOLLOWING SHORT NEW BRIEFS FROM THE NNCC:

HAVE WE GOT NEWS FOR YOU! IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM NNCC

Things change — it’s just a reality of life. NNCC wants to ensure that everyone certified through NNCC receives updates and other important information.

  • Download and use current certification and recertification applications from the NNCC website at www.nncc-exam.org. Applications are revised periodically and old versions are NOT accepted.
  • Provide NNCC with a personal/home email address, especially if you are applying for certification or recertification. Firewalls in some company email systems may block messages from NNCC.
  • CCHT-A Exam — This exam is different from the CCHT exam. Any CCHT who is due for recertification may only recertify as a CCHT.

    If an individual qualifies as a CCHT-A, they must apply and take the CCHT-A certification examination in order to be awarded the CCHT-A credential. Click here to find information regarding the CCHT-A certification. The CCHT-A credential cannot be awarded unless the CCHT-A certification examination is taken and passed.
  • Please share this news bulletin with anyone you feel may be interested or have need of this information.

APPLY NOW! SCHOLARSHIPS, GRANTS AND AWARDS ARE AVAILABLE!

NNCC supports nephrology education and research by providing scholarships, grants and awards. We encourage everyone who is eligible to consider applying.

NNCC Career Mobility Scholarships:

CCHT CCHT-A CD-LPN CD-LVN

For Technicians and LPNs/LVNs

NNCC will award three (3) Career Mobility Scholarships to support a qualified CCHT, CCHT-A and/or CD/LPN/LVN. These scholarships, awarded annually, provide funding for continuing education and development or support of a program to improve patient outcomes in the health science field. Each $2000 scholarship enables the winner to enhance his/her knowledge and better contribute to the nephrology community.

The application form and instructions are available on the Scholarships/Grants page of the NNCC website. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply; applications for the 2015 awards are being accepted now and will be accepted until November 30, 2015.

Winners will be notified in the spring of 2016.

NOTE: Fax copies of documents are NOT accepted.

CDN CNN

CNN and CDN Career Mobility Scholarship

NNCC established this grant to be given annually through the American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA). Three (3) $2000 scholarships will be awarded to CNNs and CDNs who are members of ANNA in the pursuit of either a BSN or advanced degree in nursing. The deadline for applying for this scholarship is October 15, 2015. Details can be found on the ANNA website at www.annanurse.org.

Barbara F. Prowant Nursing Research Grant

NNCC established this grant to be given annually through the American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA). This 5,000 grant was established to promote nursing research, particularly in the area of nephrology. The deadline for applying for this grant is November 15, 2015. Details can be found on the ANNA website at www.annanurse.org.

TIME TO APPLY! NEPHROLOGY NURSING ADVOCACY AWARD

This award is provided annually to an organization/facility/department/unit that demonstrates that it values certification as a way to promote patient safety and improve the quality of care provided to nephrology patients. The award consists of a wall plaque, a $500 gift card, a press release and recognition on the NNCC website and at the NNCC exhibit at professional nephrology events. Details are now available on the NNCC website at www.nncc-exam.org.

NOTE: Nominations must be received no later than January 1, 2016 for the 2016 award.

CDN
CDN CERTIFICATION: CHANGES IN CONTACT HOUR CRITERIA

NNCC approved an increase in the number of continuing education credits required for recertification for CDNs, which will make the criteria comparable to those of the CNN.

The number of continuing education credits required for recertification will increase from 30 hours to 45 hours in the previous three (3) years of certification, which is consistent with what is required for the CNN recertification.

This change will be effective beginning July 1, 2017.

DIALYSIS TECHNICIANS - EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS FOR YOU

Hemodialysis technicians have more access to continuing education programs and materials than ever before. There are good opportunities for learning, professional growth and networking available that all hemodialysis technicians should be aware of. Please review these opportunities to obtain continuing education and make plans to attend.

Annual Dialysis Conference - February 27 - March 1, 2016

Washington State Convention Center, Seattle, WA

Make plans now to attend this meeting which includes a variety of nephrology practitioners from all over the world. There is a specific pre-conference track for technicians on Saturday, Feb. 27, as well as cutting-edge information on all treatment modalities. Click here for more information on this meeting.

National Kidney Foundation - April 27 - May 1, 2016

Hynes Convention Center, Boston, MA

The NKF annual spring meeting is a great opportunity to meet and network with all types of nephrology care providers. Sessions include interactive workshops, presentation of current nephrology information and debates. There are specific sessions for all types of providers, including one specifically for nurses and technicians. Click here for more information on this meeting.

National Association of Nephrology Technicians/Technologists (NANT) - March 21 - 24, 2016

Tropicana Hotel, Las Vegas, NV

NANT offers opportunities for technician continuing education through local chapter activities, webinars, and its annual spring meeting. The 2016 spring meeting will be held at the Tropicana Hotel in Las Vegas, NV. Click here for more information on NANT local chapter activities as well as details for the Spring, 2016 meeting.

DID YOU KNOW? INACTIVE AND EMERITUS STATUS AVAILABLE

Inactive Status

At times a CNN, CDN or CD-LPN/LVN may be unable to meet the requirements for recertification due to unusual circumstances. Persons in this situation can obtain an Inactive Status Application for their specific credential from the NNCC website at www.nncc-exam.org. Applicants should complete the application and submit a letter briefly describing the circumstances. If approved, inactive status is granted once for a single 3 year period. During this time, the credential may not be used. To recertify after the 3 year inactive period, the usual criteria for recertification must be met and a recertification application submitted. Details can be found on the NNCC website in the recertification information specific for each credential.

Emeritus Status

NNCC certificants may apply for Emeritus status when they:

  • are over 50 years of age,
  • have maintained an active credential, and
  • have retired from active practice.

Complete the application for Emeritus Status in the designated section of the recertification application specific for the credential and submit a one-time fee. Details can be found at www.nncc-exam.org.

RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT - PUBLICATION IN NEPHROLOGY NEWS & ISSUES

The March 2015 issue of Nephrology News & Issues contained an article that explored dialysis technicians’ perceptions of certification. A number of NNCC certificants completed the surveys that provided important data for this study. Written by Helen Williams, MSN, RN, CNN (former NNCC Commissioner) and Margery Garbin, PhD, RN, the article provides a great deal of information about the characteristics of technicians and nurses who are certified, as well as their perceptions of the value of certification. We congratulate Helen and Margery on publication of this important article.

CONTACT NNCC FOR ASSISTANCE

Slideshow NNCC staff are available to assist with questions, but the phone can be challenging during times when many people are in the process of recertifying. If you need assistance, it is recommended that you email NNCC and a member of the office staff will contact you promptly. Simply go to the NNCC homepage at www.nncc-exam.org and click on "Contact NNCC" or add NNCC to your email address book: nncc@nncc-exam.org, for easy access.

CONTINUING EDUCATION, CREDENTIAL VERIFICATION REMINDERS

Checkbox Image Please review the applicable application form and note the criteria for continuing education submitted for certification and recertification. Continuing education credits must be applicable to the person’s credential and scope of practice in nephrology. Continuing education credit for materials that do not apply to the person’s nephrology role and scope of practice will not be accepted.

Another important reminder regards the NNCC Certified Directory, available on the NNCC website at www.nncc-exam.org. The NNCC Certified Directory allows for online verification of certification. It is maintained as a searchable database that displays all individuals matching the selection criteria who have not elected to keep their information private. All managers are strongly encouraged to verify credentials by viewing this directory regularly.

NNCC ON FACEBOOK!!

The Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission is on Facebook, and we'd love to connect with you. "Like" us on Facebook to keep up with certification and exam information, NNCC and industry news, and much more. It's also a great place to share your stories, network with fans from across the country, and get in contact with NNCC directly.

"Like" us today on Facebook by visiting www.facebook.com/NNCCExam or by clicking the link below.

Like Us

CCHT RECERTIFICATION INFORMATION YOU NEED TO KNOW

Think you know all you need to know about the CCHT recertification process? Check out our "Did You Know.." sheet, and make sure you do.

NNCC also has some frequently asked questions regarding CCHT recertification on it's Facebook page. You can view these frequently asked questions by visiting facebook.com/NNCCExam.

ABOUT NNCC

The Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC) exists to establish credentialing mechanisms for improving the quality of care provided to nephrology patients.

The Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission supports the philosophy that there should be a diversity of examinations that will effectively provide the opportunity for certification at various levels of education, experience, and area of practice within nephrology nursing.

For more information, visit www.nncc-exam.org.

You are subscribed to NNCC's Email Newsletter - a free services of the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission. From time-to-time you will received an email such as this one with important news and information relevant to certification.

To unsubscribe, send an email to: nncc@nncc-exam.org