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Your Story...
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Full Circle: A Dialysis Patient’s Path to Empowerment
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 My name is Jean Nevarez, and I became a Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician (CCHT) in 2023 while employed with DaVita—where I am also a patient.
My dialysis journey began when I was just 18, fresh out of high school. I started on peritoneal dialysis (PD) and continued with it for about five years. During the fifth year, PD wasn’t cleaning my blood effectively enough, so my nephrologist recommended that I supplement it with one day a week of in-center hemodialysis (ICHD). In 2015, I received a kidney transplant, and for the first five years, everything went well. Unfortunately, I wasn’t well-informed about insurance and lost my Medicare coverage. That meant I had to pay out of pocket for my anti-rejection medication. Being young and unaware of the consequences, I tried to stretch my medications by taking less than prescribed. This led to acute kidney rejection, and ultimately, I lost my transplant.
I returned to dialysis during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. After two years back on treatment, I decided to pursue a career in kidney care. I wanted to better understand my condition and take greater control of my health.
Now, three years into working at DaVita, my knowledge of dialysis and kidney care has grown tremendously. I’ve found my passion—helping other dialysis patients who are in situations similar to mine. I want to be a source of education and support, especially for younger patients, so they don’t have to go through the hardships I faced. I hope to become a preventive force in transplant rejection through sharing my experience and raising awareness.
In the future, I want to be involved in many areas of kidney care - through organizations like DaVita, the National Kidney Foundation, and NNCC. My goal is to become a pillar in the kidney community and spark inspiration in others. Thank you for the opportunity to share my story and use this platform to reach others
-Jean Nevarez-Velazquez, CCHT
Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician
We are excited to share one more piece of Jean’s story:
On July 17, I received a transplant, and it has been working great so far! I was discharged Sunday evening and have started my recovery phase.
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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 nurse 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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Thank you, Clinical/Technical Exam Board and Test Committee Members!
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Thank you to the Clinical/Technical Exam Board and Test Committees for dedicating your time this past weekend in South Carolina to support the continued excellence of the CCHT and CCHT-A certification programs.
Your commitment to advancing the profession and ensuring the integrity of these credentials is truly commendable. We are grateful for your expertise, collaboration, and passion. Thank you! #nephrology #dialysis #dialysistechnician
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Congratulations to Xavia Elder, CCHT – Career Mobility Scholarship Recipient
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 NNCC is proud to recognize Xavia Elder, CCHT, of Williamstown, NJ, as the recipient of the NNCC-sponsored Career Mobility Scholarship, awarded through the National Kidney Foundation.
Xavia is currently pursuing her degree at Rowan College at Burlington County with the goal of advancing her career in healthcare. Her dedication to both her patients and professional growth exemplifies the spirit of this scholarship.
We congratulate Xavia on this well-deserved honor and wish her continued success on her journey. We’re excited to see all she will accomplish!
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NNCC Career Mobility Scholarships & Grants
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The Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission® (NNCC®) offers of career mobility scholarships annually. Don't miss your opportunity to apply!
Clinical/Technical Career Mobility Scholarship – Deadline November 30
NNCC awards five (5) $3000.00 scholarships to CCHT, CCHT-A and CD-LPN/LVN certified individuals who are advancing their education in the field of health/sciences.
Advanced Practice Nurse Career Mobility Scholarship – Deadline November 30
NNCC awards a $5000.00 career mobility scholarship to CNN-NP certified individuals who are advancing their education in a doctoral program (DNP or PhD).
Nurse Career Mobility Scholarship funding – Deadline November 15
NNCC has established funding for three (3) $3,000.00 career mobility scholarships to NNCC certificant members of ANNA in pursuit of either a BSN or advanced degree in nursing.
Nephrology Nurse and Technician Career Mobility Scholarship funding – Deadline May 1
NNCC has established funding for three (3) $3,000.00 career mobility scholarships for CCHT and CCHT-A certified, and three (3) $3,000.00 career mobility scholarships to CNN or CDN certified members of the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) to support furthering education in pursuit of a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in nephrology nursing or technician fields.
Barbara Prowant Research Grant – Deadline November 15
The NNCC has established this $5,000.00 nursing research grant to honor and recognize Barbara F. Prowant’s tremendous contributions to nephrology nursing and certification within the specialty. Her work improved the lives of patients everywhere. This research grant is established to promote nursing research, particularly in nephrology.
Research: Funding for pilot studies and partial funding for research projects, thesis, or dissertations.
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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 I take pride in my work and am looked up to in my unit for being certified. It gives me a greater understanding of the workings of all areas of dialysis.”
A powerful reminder that certification is more than a title—it’s a reflection of dedication, respect, and a deeper connection to patient care.
Ready to take the next step in your nephrology career?
Certification isn’t just a title—it’s a transformative step toward becoming the best version of yourself as a nurse. It shows your dedication to your patients, your profession, and your own growth. Whether you’re just starting out 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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Dialysis Technicians Take the NNCC July Pop Quiz
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JULY 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 technicians (CCHT): According to CMS ESRD Regulations, the technician must wear a mask when performing which of the following procedures?
Take the quiz to see the list of options, choose the correct answer, and find the rationale and reference information.
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Quality Improvement Award Deadline – Extended to August 15
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The Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission® (NNCC®) has developed this award to recognize an individual or organization participating in a quality improvement project that promotes optimal patient outcomes in nephrology. At least one of the individuals submitting the application must be currently certified by NNCC.
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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: FALL 2025
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NNCC will be exhibiting at the following conference this Fall. We hope to see you there!
Orlando, FL
September 16 – 19, 2025
Booth #315
Charlotte, NC
September 25 - 28, 2025
Booth #207
Atlanta, GA
October 8 - 10, 2025
Booth #1835
Houston, TX
November 5 - 9, 2025
Booth #1241
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Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission
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