NNCC Email Newsletter | August 2019

Thursday, August 1st, 2019
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Perspectives

The recent kidney health executive order was the biggest news to hit the nephrology industry in years. What does it mean for your practice?
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On July 10, President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order on Advancing American Kidney Health. It was health care news with far-reaching implications, and the reactions and analyses are still rolling out.

 

What does this directive mean for you as someone who is a certified nephrology nurse, nurse practitioner, or technician?
 

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“I think that’s one of the things in this dynamic environment: Success isn’t based on hierarchy. It’s about having a level playing field, and respecting what everybody brings to the table.”

Theresa Mottes,  APRN, CPNP-AC, CDN, was featured this month in OR Today and recounts what shaped and inspired her to become a nursing leader.


Got a Minute? Let’s Get Social!
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Keeping you informed about industry news and NNCC opportunities is our job and our pleasure. Social media is one of the best ways to stay in touch, even when you’re on the fly. Visit us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn and ‘Like’ or ‘Follow’ our pages, if you haven’t already. See you there!


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NNCC and our partner nephrology organizations offer several career mobility scholarships to NNCC certificants. If you are furthering your education, click the links below and apply today, as deadlines are quickly approaching!
•    Technicians and LPN/LVNs (Five $3,000 scholarships)
•    Advanced Practice Nurses (One $5,000 scholarship)
•    ANNA (CDN and CNN) Active Members (Three $3,000 scholarships)
•    CNNT (CDN and CNN) Active Members (Three $3,000 scholarships)

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Effective as of July 1, 2020, the CNN-NP eligibility criteria will be changed to a minimum of 2 years and 2,000 hours working as a nephrology nurse practitioner within 2 years of applying to take the exam. Questions? Please contact NNCC at nncc@nncc-exam.org

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The NNCC Board of Commissioners has approved a new policy for those taking the CCHT-A certification examination. For all CCHT-A exam applications

received on 8/1/2019 and beyond, if an individual is CCHT certified and takes the CCHT-A exam but doesn’t pass, NNCC will automatically recertify the CCHT credential, effective for 3 years from the time the CCHT-A examination was taken. 

 

What does this mean for you? If you’re a CCHT working at an advanced level of practice, you may now apply to take the CCHT-A exam without fear that you will lose your credential if you don’t pass the exam.


Visit NNCC Booth at Fall Conferences

NNCC will be exhibiting at the following upcoming meetings. Please stop by our booth to get answers to your questions about certification/recertification and discover new resources for your practice.

 

National Renal Administrators Association (NRAA)

October 2-4, Huntington Beach, CA

 

ANNA Fall Meeting (ANNA)

October 12-14, San Diego, CA

 

American Society of Nephrology (ASN)

November 5-9, Washington, DC


 
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General FAQs

How can I find out when my certification will expire?

Your certification expiration date is shown on your certification wallet card, and can also be verified through the NNCC Certified Directory.

 

How do I find continuing education?

Continuing education is available online, through nephrology organizations, or by attending a local or national conference.  NNCC staff members are happy to help you in locating programs that will meet your recertification requirements. If you need assistance, feel free to contact us.

 

CCHT/CCHT-A FAQs

I am CCHT certified. Can I recertify as a CCHT-A?

No. The CCHT-A credential can only be obtained by taking and passing the CCHT-A certification examination.

 

What is the difference between the CCHT and the CCHT-A?

The CCHT-A is an advanced credential for technicians working in an advanced dialysis technician level of practice for a minimum of 5 years and 5,000 hours. The CCHT credential is an entry-level certification.

 

How will I benefit from obtaining the CCHT-A credential?

The CCHT-A credential demonstrates you are working at an advanced level of practice and have proven your knowledge and skills by passing the CCHT-A examination. A primary benefit of the credential is personal satisfaction, however your employer may offer benefits, so we recommend exploring that possibility with your manager.

 
 
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Kidney Donors to be Reimbursed for Lost Wages

The National Kidney Registry (NKR) announced this month that all donors involved in NKR swaps will be provided Donor Shield protections that include lost wage reimbursement. (NKR Press Release, 8/5/19)

Racial and Ethnic Disparities Found in ESKD Palliative Care

Less than 3% of hospitalized patients with ESKD receive palliative care services, and Black and Hispanic patients have the lowest proportion. (JASN, via Newswise.com, 8/7/19)

Report: Kidney Transplant Recipients Have Higher Cardiac Death Risk

A 25-year study of adult and pediatric transplant recipients in Australia and New Zealand revealed an increased risk of cardiac death, especially for females. (Healio, 8/19)

 
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2019’s Best and Worst States for Health Care

The cost and quality of health care in the U.S. varies widely from state to state, according to the CDC. And, higher costs don’t necessarily mean better care. (WalletHub, 8/5/19)

 

Forecast: Drug Spending at Health Care Facilities to Rise 4.57%

A performance improvement company has estimated that health care facilities can expect a 4.57% increase in pharmaceutical spending in 2020. (Becker’s Hospital Review, 8/6/19)

Patient Education: NIDDK Guideline for Nutrition

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) maps out a nutrition guide for patients with CKD. (NIH/NIDDK, accessed 8/7/19)