NNCC Email Newsletter | October 2020

Thursday, October 1st, 2020
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Your Stories
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About 4 years ago, I decided to change my career to dialysis. I didn’t know a lot about it, but I thought, why not give it a chance? The passion, quality care, and the dignity that I am able to provide to my patients validated that this was the job for me. 

The first day on the treatment floor of the clinic, I was amazed at how the patients were being dialyzed. It was loud and chaotic, with many alarms going off. I thought, “This is crazy! What did I get myself into?” However, I knew I could handle the job.

 

I was observant, asked lots of questions, and told myself that I was going to be the best technician ever! Some days I would doubt myself and feel overwhelmed, however I’m a true believer that this is the coolest job ever.

 

I furthered my education and now I’m a preceptor. I enjoy coming to work and learning something new every day, putting smiles on my patients’ faces, and most importantly, educating patients every chance I get. If I don’t have the answers, I direct them to the right person. I care about every patient in the clinic, regardless if I am their care provider.

 

Special Bond with a Special Patient

I do have a story about one special patient who touched my heart. I was the first technician assigned to her, and she was new to dialysis. At first, she cried,  and all I could do was give her the moral support she needed, letting her know everything was going to be alright.

 

I made her feel comfortable to the point where she now looks forward to coming to treatments. We have a special bond. When I’m off, my co-workers tell me she was looking for me!

 

It makes me feel good that I can touch someone’s life in a short period of time by just being me.

 

I often say to my patients “Have a Nice Treatment! They love it!

 
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Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Alex Azar announced October 23 that a public health emergency declaration will be renewed in the U.S. for an additional 90 days due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Make the paragraph below flush left, not center.

 

It’s important to note what this means regarding your certification. CMS ESRD Conditions for Coverage Waiver will remain in effect during this public health emergency through January 21, 2021 (as of now). For more information, read the HHS announcement , and our “FAQs Regarding CMS Waiver and Certification Credentials."
 
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Career Mobility Scholarships – Apply by November 30

Advocacy Award – Apply by January 1, 2021

NNCC Award for Nephrology Nursing Certification Advocacy (One $1,000 award)

 
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Get ready nephrology nurses! It’s your turn to answer the October “NNCC Question of the Month!” The question is posted on the NNCC Facebook page. You’ll get a list of options, an explanation for the correct answer, and reference information. You can also go right to the question here.

 
Visit NNCC Virtual Exhibit Booth
at Upcoming Meetings
 
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Leader Has High Praise for Nephrology Community’s Pandemic Response

American Society of Nephrology President Anupam Agarwal, MD, FASN, said the resilience and dedication of the kidney community during the COVID-19 pandemic should attract more health care professionals to the specialty. (Healio; 10/22/20)

Californians to Vote on Physician Role During Dialysis

California voters will decide on November 3 whether a physician needs to be present during all dialysis treatments in an outpatient clinic operating in the state. (Healio; 10/8/20)

Questionnaire Measures Patient Fatigue from Dialysis

A new patient-reported outcome measure assesses fatigue in patients receiving dialysis. The tool gauges tiredness, energy, and the impact of fatigue on life participation. (American Society of Nephrology; 10/22/20)

 
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CDC Action Plan Expands Global Antibiotic Resistance
Five-year goals include a global lab network, vaccine data platform, and even greater investments in state and local health departments. (HHS; 10/9/20)
What Really Matters in Life: Uplifting Learning in the Midst of a Pandemic
StoryCorps, a nonprofit dedicated to recording human stories, has gather excerpts from people who have found deep meaning during these challenging times. (Ideas.Ted.com 10/2020)
Inspirational Quotes for Nurses
Need a morale boost? These quotes will brighten your day. (Nurse.com; 10/2020)