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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 September comes to a close, we’re heading into one of the busiest and most meaningful times of the year for the nephrology community. Fall brings opportunities to connect, learn, celebrate our profession, and recognize the dedicated professionals who make a difference in the lives of patients every day.
Thank you for continuing to make certification a meaningful part of your professional journey and for the important work you do each day in nephrology.
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!
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In this issue:
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Effective June 1, new eligibility requirements and updated applications became available online at www.nncc-exam.org.
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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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.
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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®) 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!
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A Career Dedicated to Dialysis, Education, and Mentorship
By: Bessie V. Baldovino, RN CNN
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 In 1978, I immigrated to the United States and began my nursing career working in a nursing home in Kalamazoo, Michigan. After a year, I moved to Chicago, Illinois, where I worked in several healthcare settings and continued to grow both personally and professionally.
In 1986, I was hired to work in the Dialysis Department at Loyola University Medical Center (LUMC). I quickly discovered how much I enjoyed this specialty. Working in dialysis was both rewarding and fulfilling, and I decided to make it my long-term career.
My journey at LUMC began in the Outpatient Chronic Dialysis Unit. After completing my orientation, I transitioned to the Inpatient Acute Dialysis Unit. The work was challenging and, at times, exhausting. Knowing that I could help patients through some of the most difficult and uncomfortable moments of their lives made all the hard work worthwhile.
As I gained experience, I became more confident and knowledgeable in dialysis care. I learned not only how to provide excellent patient care, but also how to manage the daily operations of the unit as a charge nurse. Eventually, I was promoted to Nurse Manager, a position I held for 15 years. In this role, I oversaw the Chronic, Acute, and Long-Term Dialysis Units.
Throughout my career, I have been passionate about teaching and mentoring. I served as a mentor to new nurses, dialysis technicians, and fellows. I also developed a comprehensive training program for staff and fellows that became a successful educational initiative.
In 2006, when the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) introduced new regulations regarding dialysis technician qualifications, I faced a significant challenge. Thirty of our dialysis technicians did not yet meet the new requirements. They needed to obtain certification before 2008 or risk losing their jobs. |
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Determined to help them succeed, I developed a training program to prepare them for certification. The program consisted of three eight-hour classes designed to fulfill the required CMS training requirements. I was extremely proud when all 30 dialysis technicians successfully completed the course and passed their certification examinations.
Knowing that I had made a difference in their lives was deeply rewarding. I was especially grateful that none of them had to lose their jobs because of the new regulations.
The success of the program led to an even greater opportunity. The program I developed was adopted by a local community college and became part of its curriculum. Over the years, it has educated and prepared many students who have gone on to work in dialysis centers throughout the area. Some of these students have continued their education and become dialysis nurses themselves.
I retired from LUMC in 2018, but my passion for teaching and dialysis education continues. I still teach the course at the community college and remain an active member of the American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA) Windy City Chapter and the National Kidney Foundation.
Looking back on my career, I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunities I have had to care for patients, mentor healthcare professionals, and make a positive difference in the lives of others. For me, that has always been the greatest reward of my nursing career.
Thank you for your story Bessie! What an inspiring career and a wonderful example of the lasting impact one person can have on both patients and colleagues. Your dedication to dialysis, education, and mentorship has touched countless lives, and the success of the training program you created is a remarkable part of your legacy. Thank you for the many years you have dedicated to strengthening the dialysis profession.
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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:
“Certification to me means I have the skills and knowledge to provide care for dialysis patients.”
Thank you. Certification represents more than earning a credential—it reflects a commitment to developing the knowledge and skills needed to provide safe, knowledgeable, and compassionate care. We love hearing how certification gives nurses confidence in caring for their dialysis patients and reinforces their dedication to excellence in nephrology nursing.
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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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.
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SEPTEMBER 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 (CNN): "A 65-year-old female patient who has CKD Stage 4 has been taking doxercalciferol (Hectoral) for the past six months. Her calcium and phosphorus levels are well controlled, and her intact parathyroid hormone level is 15 pg/dL. Based on this information, the patient is at risk for which of these types of bone disease?"
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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 A heartfelt thank you to the NNCC Board of Commissioners for dedicating their time and expertise this past weekend to meet at the NNCC National Office in New Jersey.
We are grateful for your continued commitment to NNCC and to advancing excellence in nephrology certification. Your leadership and dedication make a difference! |
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NNCC will be exhibiting at the following conference this Fall. We hope to see you there!
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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