 |
|
|
|
CNN®, CDN®, CNN-NP®, CCHT®, CCHT-A®,
CD-LPN® & CD-LVN® are registered certification
marks of NNCC®.
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
As August comes to a close, we pause to celebrate the people behind the credentials—the nephrology nurses and dialysis technicians who choose to continually learn, grow, and strive for excellence in the care they provide. Certification represents more than the letters after your name; it reflects your dedication to your profession, your commitment to your patients, and your belief in the importance of providing knowledgeable, compassionate care. Every day, you bring your expertise, experience, and heart to the patients and families who depend on you. We are proud to recognize your achievements and grateful for the difference you make in nephrology care.
Follow us on social media as we share testimonials from certified professionals about what certification means to them. Their stories remind us that certification is more than a credential—it is a reflection of commitment, achievement, and pride in the important work you do. Share our posts and help us spread the word about the value and importance of certification!
|
|
In this issue:
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
From “Try It for Two Weeks” to 36 Years in Nephrology
By: Lady Ann Hernandez De Guzman, BSN RN CNN
|
 I began my nursing career as a NICU/Mother-Baby nurse before transitioning to medical-surgical nursing to expand my knowledge and experience. Just two months later, I became a charge nurse and also learned peritoneal dialysis. When my manager offered me a position in our hospital’s dialysis unit, I was hesitant. She encouraged me to “try it for two weeks,” assuring me that I could return to med-surg if dialysis wasn’t for me. Little did I know that those two weeks would become the beginning of a 36-year journey in nephrology and hematology.
My dialysis preceptors inspired me and taught me so well that I learned to embrace and truly enjoy nephrology nursing. Over the years, there have been moments of laughter and sadness, celebrations and challenges, successes, compliments, nominations, and awards. Through it all, my colleagues and patients have continued to inspire me and give me the motivation to keep going.
Of my 40-year nursing career, 36 years have been dedicated to nephrology and hematology. I am incredibly proud to have maintained my Certified Nephrology Nurse (CNN) credential for 30 years—and counting! Certification has helped me stay current with advances in nephrology, hematology, and research while allowing me to continually expand my knowledge and experience in adult and pediatric nephrology, leadership, teaching, and specialized therapies. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to learn and work with numerous modalities, including adult and pediatric dialysis, plasmapheresis, red blood cell exchange, leukapheresis, photopheresis, stem cell collection, and more.
One of the most rewarding parts of my journey has been sharing what I have learned with nursing students and new dialysis nurses and inspiring them to pursue careers in nephrology. I am grateful to all the people who have inspired me, supported my growth, and helped shape the nurse I am today. I hope to continue paying that inspiration forward by sharing my knowledge and experience with the next generation of nephrology nurses.
After 40 years in nursing, I can honestly say, “When I go to work, I don’t feel like I am working. I found a job that I genuinely love. It’s my safe place.” |
|
Thank you Lady Ann! This inspiring journey is a beautiful reminder that certification is more than a professional credential—it is a commitment to lifelong learning, growth, and excellence. Thirty years as a Certified Nephrology Nurse reflects not only dedication to the profession, but also a passion for sharing knowledge and inspiring the next generation of nephrology nurses. We are grateful for the experience, leadership, and inspiration you continue to bring to our profession.
|
|
|
|
|
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!
|
|
|
|
|
We asked this question to newly certified nephrology nurses, and this response stood out:
“It gives me confidence in my knowledge and skills and motivates me to continue growing in my nursing career.”
Thank you. Certification is a powerful reminder of what you know, what you can do, and how far you have come. It builds confidence in your knowledge and skills while inspiring you to keep learning, growing, and reaching new milestones throughout your nursing career. We are proud to celebrate the confidence and commitment that certification represents!
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!
|
|
Want to be part of our “What Does Certification Mean to You?” social media campaign?
We’d love to hear your story! Share what earning your NNCC certification means to you and help us inspire others to pursue certification and celebrate the value it brings to our profession.
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
A heartfelt thank you to the wonderful group of subject matter experts who volunteered their time to come together this past weekend in Philadelphia, PA, to review the new CNN and CDN certification examinations.
Your expertise, time, and commitment to advancing nephrology certification are truly remarkable. The work you do behind the scenes helps ensure that these examinations reflect the knowledge and skills essential to excellence in nephrology nursing and patient care.
|
We are incredibly grateful for each of you and the dedication you bring to the profession. Thank you! 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
You have earned the experience; now earn the credential that recognizes it.
For a limited time! 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.
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission® (NNCC®) offers a variety of career mobility scholarships, awards, and grants annually. Check out these opportunities at https://www.nncc-exam.org/awards-scholarships-grants.
Hurry, deadlines are approaching. Don’t miss out!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
AUGUST 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 Nurse (CDN): "The primary intervention for the management of chronic hyponatremia in patients who are on maintenance hemodialysis is to…”
Take the quiz to see the list of options, choose the correct answer, and find the rationale and reference information.
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
• 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.
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NNCC will be exhibiting at the following conference this Fall. We hope to see you there!
Savannah, GA
September 23 - 26, 2026
Booth #114
Denver, CO
October 21 – 25, 2026
Booth #214
Chicago, IL
October 29 – 31, 2026
Booth #939
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission
|
|
