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CNN®, CDN®, CNN-NP®, CCHT®, CCHT-A®,
CD-LPN® & CD-LVN® are registered certification
marks of NNCC®.
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As we move through the heart of summer, we hope you're finding opportunities to recharge while continuing the important work you do in nephrology care. We appreciate your ongoing commitment to excellence and to the patients and families who rely on your expertise every day. Thank you for being part of a community dedicated to advancing nephrology care through knowledge, professionalism, and compassionate care.
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In this issue:
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Effective June 1, new eligibility requirements and updated applications will be available online at www.nncc-exam.org.
Applications are currently being accepted for the new CNN and CDN exams. The first examination permits will be issued on September 1, 2026.
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.
If you have questions regarding recent changes coming for the CNN and CDN examinations, please email questions@nncc-exam.org.
Please share this information with anyone planning to take the CNN or CDN exam.
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The Patients Are Why I Stay
By: Angellette M. Martin, CCHT
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 My name is Angelette M. Martin, CCHT, from Columbia, SC. I have been working in dialysis for more than 20 years.
People often ask me, "Why have you stayed in dialysis for so long?" My answer is simple: I love my patients. I also enjoy floating to different clinics because it has given me the opportunity to meet so many people and work with a variety of teams.
My passion for dialysis began at a young age. My father was a dialysis patient for about two years, and seeing the care he received inspired me to dedicate my career to helping others facing kidney disease.
Over the years, dialysis has changed in many ways, and I have been fortunate to grow alongside the profession. I've worked in chronic dialysis, acute dialysis, pediatric dialysis, and traveled to clinics in many different locations. Every experience has taught me something valuable and reinforced why I chose this career.
I thank God every day for allowing me to serve dialysis patients. Caring for them has been one of the greatest blessings of my life, and I am grateful for every opportunity to make a difference.
The words I live by are a quote I created myself:
"These patients need us. Do the best you can do!"
I hope those words encourage others in our profession to remember that every interaction matters. When we give our best each day, we make a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients. |
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Thank you Angellette, for sharing your inspiring story and for your more than 20 years of dedicated service to patients with kidney disease. Your journey reflects the compassion, expertise, and commitment that define certified nephrology technicians, and your words, "These patients need us. Do the best you can do!" serve as a powerful reminder of the difference nephrology professionals make every day. We are proud to recognize your contributions and thank you for representing the very best of the NNCC community.
Stories like Angelette's highlight the true meaning of certification. While certification recognizes professional knowledge and expertise, it also represents a commitment to providing exceptional care with compassion, integrity, and dedication—qualities that make a lasting difference for patients, families, and the nephrology community.
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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!
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:
“That wasn’t just about adding letters—it marked a milestone in my nursing career.”
Thank you. That perspective resonates with so many nephrology professionals. Certification is more than a credential—it represents a commitment to growth, excellence, and the confidence that comes from achieving an important professional milestone.
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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A heartfelt THANK YOU to our dedicated Clinical/Technical Exam Board and Test Committee members for spending their weekend in Chicago working on the CCHT and CCHT-A certification examinations.
Your time, expertise, and commitment help ensure that NNCC's certification exams continue to reflect current practice and uphold the highest standards in nephrology patient care. We are grateful for your passion, collaboration, and unwavering dedication to the profession.
Thank you for making a difference for dialysis technicians—and the patients they serve! 
 FRONT: Kristan Parker, Kim Deaver, Mary Greensides, Tiffany Rollins, Melissa Challacombe, Kristy Shupp
BACK: Douglas Williams, Alex Holcomb, Dallas Partridge, Jennifer Barker |
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There is still time to get in on this offer! Effective 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.
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NNCC’s FailSafe Program means that if you are a CCHT and do not pass the CCHT-A certification exam, NNCC will automatically recertify your CCHT certification for another 3 years. What do you have to lose?
Find out if you’re eligible here.
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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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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 Nephrology Nurse Practitioner (CNN-NP): "The pediatric NP is educating the adult team members about adolescents and young adults with CKD. For patients 15 – 19 years of age who are on hemodialysis, the leading cause of mortality is..."
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 Fall. We hope to see you there!
Savannah, GA
September 23 - 26, 2026
Denver, CO
October 21 – 25, 2026
Booth #214
Chicago, IL
October 29 – 31, 2026
Booth #939
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Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission
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