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We extend our warmest wishes for a happy holiday season! May your days be filled with joy, laughter, and cherished moments with loved ones.
Holiday Hours
Please note our adjusted hours during the holiday season:
- December 24th: 8:30 am – 12:30 pm ET
- December 25th: Closed
- January 1: Closed
Regular hours will resume on January 2nd.
New Year Opportunities
As we approach the New Year, we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. Stay tuned for exciting updates and improvements in the coming months.
Thank you for your continued commitment to excellence! We look forward to serving you in the New Year!
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Your Story...
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My Story as a Nephrology Nurse
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 When I began my nursing career in Puerto Rico more than 25 years ago, I didn’t know nephrology would eventually become my home. My path started in phlebotomy and blood collection with the American Red Cross, where I learned the importance of precision, safety, and patient trust. Those early years taught me how meaningful it is to connect with people in vulnerable moments — a lesson that has stayed with me throughout my career.
In 2010, I stepped into the world of hemodialysis for the first time, and everything changed. I found myself drawn to the relationships built in the dialysis unit. Seeing patients multiple times a week, learning about their families, and walking beside them through their challenges made me realize this was more than a job — it was a calling.
One patient in particular confirmed this for me. After weeks of struggling with fear and frustration, they looked at me after treatment and said, “Thank you for not giving up on me.” That simple phrase has stayed in my heart for years. It reminded me that nephrology nursing is not only about managing machines or clinical numbers, but about trust, encouragement, and compassion.
Over the years with Fresenius Kidney Care, I have grown in many roles — from staff nurse in Puerto Rico, to outpatient RN, to vascular access coordinator, anemia manager, adequacy and fluid manager, and preceptor. I also spent time as a home therapies nurse, helping patients gain independence and confidence to manage their care at home. Each role came with challenges, but each also gave me the chance to make a difference in both patient outcomes and the growth of fellow nurses.
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Earning my certifications — first as a Certified Dialysis Nurse (CDN) and later as a Certified Nephrology Nurse (CNN) — were turning points for me. They were more than credentials; they were proof of my dedication to this specialty and my commitment to continuous learning. More recently, I’ve been proud to share my knowledge through published articles on vascular access and dialysis care, and to mentor new nurses who are just beginning their nephrology journey.
Looking back, nephrology nursing has taught me patience, resilience, and compassion. The small victories — a patient smiling after a difficult week, or a new nurse becoming confident in their skills — are what make this work so meaningful. This is why I stay, and why I continue to push myself forward in this field I love.
Thank you for sharing such a powerful and inspiring story Diana!
Your experiences show how meaningful this work is, not just for patients but for the nurses who dedicate themselves to it. The way you describe your growth, from your early days in phlebotomy to becoming a leader, mentor, and certified nephrology nurse, speaks volumes about your commitment to excellence.
Thank you for embodying the values of the nephrology nursing community and for contributing your knowledge, compassion, and leadership to the field. Stories like yours remind us why this work matters — and how one nurse’s commitment can change countless lives.
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What’s Your Story? Share it with NNCC!
Do you have a story about your career path and experiences as a nephrology/dialysis nurse, nephrology nurse practitioner, or dialysis technician? Whether it's a personal milestone, a professional breakthrough, or a moment that reminded you why you chose this field or why you took the next step to get certified, we’d love for you to share it.
Your journey could be the next to inspire others and be featured in the NNCC Electronic News!
Submit your story here. Let your voice be heard and your story celebrated!
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“What does certification mean to you?”
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We asked this question to newly certified nephrology nurses, and this response stood out:
“It means that I have a whole wealth of knowledge that I can share with others.”
Your perspective beautifully captures the spirit of certification. It’s not just a credential — it’s a foundation of knowledge that strengthens the entire nursing community. By earning your certification, you’ve equipped yourself with expertise that not only elevates your own practice, but also empowers you to mentor, support, and inspire others.
Thank you for reminding us that certification isn’t only about what we achieve individually — it’s about what we’re able to give back.
Take the next step in your professional journey. Certification isn’t just a title—it’s a transformative step toward becoming the best version of yourself. Whether you’re just starting or have years of experience, becoming certified demonstrates your expertise and commitment to excellence in nephrology care.
At NNCC, we’re here to support you every step of the way, whether you are a nurse practitioner, RN, or dialysis technician —with resources, guidance, and recognition designed to help you succeed. Your knowledge, your passion, and your care already make a difference. Certification helps you elevate that even further. You’ve got what it takes—and NNCC is here to help you prove it. Learn more at www.nncc-exam.org/certification. Do you have questions about certification? Contact us!
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Reminder: Fee Change Notice
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NNCC has worked diligently to keep certification and recertification application fees stable over the years. However, please note that a few fees will be updated effective January 1, 2026:
- Incomplete Application Fee: $50.00
- Expedited Review Fee: $75.00
- Examination Permit Extension Fee: $120.00
- Returned/Canceled Payment Fee: $50.00
To help you avoid these additional fees, NNCC offers the following tips:
- Carefully review the application checklist in the application booklet before submitting to ensure your application is complete.
- Submit early—applications may be submitted up to six months prior to your certification expiration date.
- Maintain available funds to ensure smooth payment processing.
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NNCC Advocacy Award – Deadline January 1, 2026
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Become the 2025 Advocacy Award Winners!
Each year, NNCC gives the Advocacy Award to one unit for outstanding performance in advancing nephrology nursing certification and patient care. Applications are reviewed by the NNCC Board of Commissioners, which looks for programs and activities that support certification. The Commissioners also consider the impact the facility has on the community. The winning unit receives an engraved plaque and a check for $1,000.
Find out more and apply here.
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Dialysis Technicians
Take the NNCC December Pop Quiz
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DECEMBER QUESTION! Here is another question of the month! “NNCC’s Question of the Month” helps you test your knowledge. This month, we pose this question for the dialysis technicain (CCHT): Heparin administered as a bolus (loading) dose should be given to the patient several minutes before initiating a hemodialysis treatment for which of these reasons?
Take the quiz to see the list of options, choose the correct answer, and find the rationale and reference information.
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NNCCs Water for Dialysis Program: What's in your Water?
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NNCC’s Water for Dialysis Program, What’s in your Water? is a learning activity provided by NNCC to help participants obtain knowledge and competency concerning water treatment for dialysis. Upon completion of this program, participants will be able to:
• Identify the components of the dialysis water system including their purposes, monitoring requirements, and patient safety considerations.
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• Explain how water-related clinical problems occur, are identified, and can be prevented.
• Discuss the elements of the CMS water survey that ensure compliance with safety.
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Great News: Upon completion, a certificate will be provided awarding a four-contact hour credit to be used towards NNCC certification or recertification continuing education requirements.
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Free Practice Exam! Approved CCHT-A Test-Takers!
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Experienced Dialysis Technicians, NNCC is now offering a free online practice exam when you are approved to take the CCHT-A certification examination. You now have one more reason to take the next step in the advancement of your career goals!
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FREE Online CNN-NP Practice Exam
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NNCC Board of Commissioners and the Advanced Practice Examination Board have examined some of the roadblocks for nephrology nurse practitioners taking the CNN-NP certification examination.
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A lack of resources and preparation materials seem to be a large factor. NNCC will now offer a free online CNN-NP practice examination to nephrology nurse practitioners who have been approved to take the CNN-NP examination. Upon approval for testing, nephrology nurse practitioners will receive a link to take the online practice exam. This, in addition to the free CNN-NP Certification Preparation Guide, will have you well on your way to preparing for the exam!
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UPCOMING EVENTS: SPRING 2026
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NNCC will be exhibiting at the following conference this Spring. We hope to see you there!
Kansas City, MO
February 25 – March 1, 2026
Las Vegas, NV
March 11 – 13, 2026
New Orleans, LA
April 25 – 28, 2026
New Orleans, LA
May 7 - 10, 2026
Las Vegas, NV
June 23 - 27, 2026
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CNN®, CDN®, CNN-NP®, CCHT®, and CCHT-A® are registered certification marks of the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC®).
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Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission
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