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CNN®, CDN®, CNN-NP®, CCHT®, CCHT-A®,
CN-LPN® & CD-LVN® are registered certification
marks of NNCC®.
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We hope you felt celebrated and appreciated on National Certified Nurses Day on March 19th! Your commitment to excellence inspires us every day. We’re honored you’ve chosen NNCC as your certification board and we are incredibly proud of all our certificants. You deserve recognition far beyond just one day—and we look forward to celebrating you all year long.
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In this issue:
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If you missed NNCC’s Webinar, “What’s new for 2026: CDN & CNN Exam Updates with Q&A”, you can find the recorded session here: https://youtu.be/-Za7RjTsUrw.
Please note: current CNN and CDN certificants are not affected by this change.
Please share this information with anyone planning to take the CNN or CDN exam.
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From Uncertainty to Excellence: My Journey in Nephrology Nursing
By Karen Moodie, MHA BSN RN CNN
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 My journey in nephrology nursing began in 2002 at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica—just one year after earning my RN from the University of the West Indies. As a new nurse, I gained experience in pediatric, orthopedic, operating room, and medical-surgical nursing. While working on a medical floor, I was unexpectedly called to the Assistant Matron’s office. Terrified that I had done something wrong, I was visibly shaken. She quickly reassured me that I was not in trouble. Instead, she shared that she had received excellent feedback from patients and families about my care and believed I would excel in a specialty area.
I was offered a choice: PACU, the Private Wing, or the Dialysis Unit.
Without hesitation, I chose dialysis.
Ironically, renal nursing had not been my strongest subject in nursing school. However, I saw this as an opportunity to grow and challenge myself. I began working in the dialysis unit, learning on the job, and quickly fell in love with the specialty. While I enjoyed initiating and managing treatments, what meant the most to me was building meaningful relationships with patients during their dialysis sessions. Patient education became my passion—ensuring individuals and their families understood their condition, treatment plans, and necessary lifestyle adjustments.
In 2006, I relocated to Bermuda to continue working as a dialysis nurse. During that time, I became interested in certification and explored the process for international nurses. In May 2007, I successfully sat for the Certified Dialysis Nurse (CDN) examination. At the time, the NNCC website recognized internationally certified dialysis nurses in a special column—there were only six listed. I became number seven. It was a defining professional milestone and remains one of my proudest achievements.
Later in 2007, I returned to Jamaica and was appointed Nurse Manager of the Dialysis Unit at the same institution where my journey began. In 2008, I attended my first conference hosted by the American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA) in Philadelphia. That experience deepened my commitment to advancing my knowledge in nephrology nursing.
In 2010, I returned to Bermuda, expanding my role into pre-dialysis education. As a Pre-Dialysis Nurse Educator, I counseled patients approaching Stage 5 kidney disease—guiding them through treatment options, explaining modalities, and addressing their fears and concerns. Helping patients make informed decisions about their renal replacement therapy was both humbling and deeply rewarding.
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I completed my bachelor’s degree in 2013 and continued striving for professional growth. In 2014, I successfully passed the Certified Nephrology Nurse (CNN) examination. Certification was not simply a credential for me—it was a personal commitment to excellence and lifelong learning.
In 2022, I relocated to the United States, in Atlanta, Georgia, where I now practice in an acute care setting, providing both hemodialysis and apheresis treatments. I continue to challenge myself. In 2023, when my CNN certification was due for renewal, I chose recertification by examination rather than continuing education hours—and once again, I was successful.
In 2024, I was honored with the Fresenius Care Award from Fresenius Medical Care, which included an all-expenses-paid trip to attend the ANNA conference in Oregon in 2025. That recognition affirmed the dedication and passion I have invested in this specialty for over two decades.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of my career has been mentoring others. Over the years, I have precepted and encouraged many nurses to pursue NNCC certification. To date, four nurses I have mentored have successfully passed either the CDN or CNN examination. I am currently mentoring three more and look forward to celebrating their success as well. Supporting others in achieving certification is one of the ways I give back to the profession that has given me so much.
Nephrology nursing is more than a career for me—it is my passion. From a nervous medical-surgical nurse walking into an office unsure of her future, to becoming a certified nephrology nurse and mentor, this journey has been one of faith, resilience, and growth. Certification changed my trajectory. Excellence continues to shape it.
Thank you for sharing your journey, Karen! This journey beautifully captures how unexpected opportunities can shape extraordinary careers. Through resilience, passion, and commitment to growth, this story highlights the true spirit of nephrology nursing. It is especially inspiring to see how certification not only elevated one nurse’s career but also continues to influence and uplift others through mentorship. A powerful reminder that when one nurse grows, the entire profession benefits.
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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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We asked this question to newly certified nephrology nurses, and this response stood out:
“My certification reflects my dedication to lifelong learning, patient advocacy, and providing compassionate, individualized, safe patient care grounded in both technical expertise and genuine human connection.”
Thank you for capturing the true spirit of certification so beautifully. Your words highlight the commitment to lifelong learning, unwavering patient advocacy, and the balance of clinical expertise with compassionate, individualized care. This dedication not only elevates your own practice but also strengthens the quality of care across the nephrology community. We are proud to support professionals like you who lead with both skill and heart.
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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Starting April 1, 2026, experienced dialysis technicians can apply for the CCHT-A exam at a reduced fee of $100. Take the next step in advancing your expertise and showcasing your experience.
Find out if you’re eligible here.
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Each year, NNCC awards up to five (5) $3000.00 Clinical/Technical Career Mobility Scholarships to NNCC-certified CCHT, CCHT-A, or CD-LPN/LVNs who are furthering their education in the health/science field. The next deadline is November 30, 2026. Apply Now
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MARCH 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 nurses (CDN): "A hemodialysis patient exposed to dialysate (or water used to prepare dialysate) that is contaminated with microbes is likely to develop which of the following problems?"
Take the quiz to see the list of options, choose the correct answer, and find the rationale and reference information.
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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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NNCC will be exhibiting at the following conference this Spring. We hope to see you there!
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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Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission
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