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Your Story...
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My Journey into Dialysis Care
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 My name is Kelly Randolph. At fifty years old, I was working a dead-end temp job, praying for something more — a full-time position with benefits, where I could make a real difference.
Every year, my church does a 21-day fast, and during that time, I was fasting and praying for a breakthrough. I wanted meaningful work, but most places don’t hire people my age without experience. I didn’t want to go back to school, but I told God that if that’s what it took, I would do it.
Then God opened a door I never expected — a job in dialysis. I didn’t even know what dialysis was. I wasn’t sure I could handle cleaning up a blood spill, let alone putting needles in someone’s arm. But I cleaned up that first blood spill without hesitation.
Still, I wondered if I could ever stick someone with a needle. Then God spoke to me and said, “I need you to put those needles in their arm so they can dialyze, because if they don’t dialyze, they will die.”
After hearing that, I knew I could do it. And I have — for twelve years now.
Today, I’m a CCHT-A, Preceptor, Care Award Winner, and Float Pool Member, and I even had the opportunity to work on a cruise ship.
Out of all the jobs I’ve had in my lifetime, I love dialysis, and I can’t imagine doing anything else.
Thank you, Kelly, for sharing your incredible journey!
Your story is such an inspiring reminder of what’s possible when faith, perseverance, and professional dedication come together. What began as uncertainty about a new career path has grown into a calling — one that has touched countless lives through compassion and excellence in patient care.
Earning and advancing your certification from CCHT to CCHT-A reflects your deep commitment to learning, growth, and providing the highest quality of care. Certification isn’t just a credential — it’s a reflection of the passion and purpose you bring to your work every day.
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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:
“Certification shows personal commitment to learning, ensuring safe and effective patient care.”
This simple yet powerful statement captures the heart of why certification matters so deeply in our profession.
Certification is more than a credential—it’s a reflection of who we are as caregivers. It demonstrates a nurse practitioner, nurse or technician’s dedication to staying current, continually improving, and holding themselves to the highest standards. In a field where patients depend on our knowledge, our judgment, and our skill, certification signals a promise: I am committed to doing my best for you.
When individuals choose certification, they elevate not only themselves but also the practice as a whole—strengthening team performance, enhancing patient outcomes, and reinforcing public trust.
This quote reminds us that certification isn’t just an achievement; it’s a mindset. And it’s one worth celebrating.
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: Important Notice Regarding Online Recertification Applications
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Applicants are encouraged to begin their applications at any time; however, please note that NNCC will be updating its website in the coming months. If you currently have an application in draft form, it must be completed and submitted by December 15, as any draft applications remaining after this date will be deleted during the system update.
Following the update, certificants will be able to begin the online recertification by continuing education application at their convenience and add continuing education credits as they are earned. Continuing education activities may be completed throughout the certification period, and the recertification application may be submitted up to six months prior to the certification expiration date.
Please be sure to keep copies of your contact hour certificates for your records and in case they are requested during the review process.
Check out the Recertification Timeline and make sure NNCC has your current contact information—so you never miss a helpful reminder. Staying on track for recertification has never been easier!
Need Help?
Remember, if you are NNCC certified, you already have an account. If you need assistance logging in or have any questions about recertification, we’re here to help.
Contact us and we’ll guide you through the process.
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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 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).
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.
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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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Nephrology Nurses
Take the NNCC November Pop Quiz
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NOVEMBER 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 nephrology nurses (CNN): During a patient's hemodialysis (HD) treatment, the nurse observes cherry-red blood in the venous line. Hemolysis is suspected. Which of these actions should the nurse take?
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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