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May 2015
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The electronic news bulletin contains important information for all current certificants as well as those seeking certification. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns. nncc@nncc-exam.org or 888-884-6622.
Sent to those committed to excellence!
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IN THIS E-NEWS BULLETIN, PLEASE FIND THE FOLLOWING SHORT NEW BRIEFS FROM THE NNCC:
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EMAIL AND FIREWALL ISSUES
One of the biggest challenges NNCC faces is providing current information to our certificants and potential certificants. Make sure you don't miss any important information - be sure NNCC has your current email address.
Firewall Issues:
It appears that some corporate or work email systems may have firewalls that block the electronic communications provided by NNCC. If you are not getting emails from NNCC on a regular basis and have provided NNCC with your work email address, you may wish to use a personal email address instead. Please contact NNCC to update your contact information at nncc@nncc-exam.org.
Please share this news bulletin with anyone you feel may be interested or have need of this information.
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SCHOLARSHIPS, GRANTS AND AWARDS AVAILABLE! DEADLINES ARE APPROACHING!
NNCC supports nephrology education and research by providing scholarships, grants and awards. We encourage everyone who is eligible to consider applying.
NNCC Career Mobility Scholarships:
For Technicians and LPNs/LVNs
Two (2) Career Mobility Scholarships are awarded annually to support a qualified CCHT, CCHT-A and/or CD/LPN/LVN. These scholarships provide funding for continuing education and development or support of a program to improve patient outcomes in the health science field. Each $2000 scholarship enables the winner to enhance his/her knowledge and better contribute to the nephrology community. Beginning this year NNCC will award three (3) Career Mobility Scholarships annually.
NNCC is proud to announce the three (3) Career Mobility Scholarship winners for 2015:
- Natalee Ayotte, CCHT, Antioch, TN
- Manuel V. Castro, CCHT, Grottoes, VA
- Sherry Williams, CCHT, Clarksdale, MS
The application form and instructions are available on the Scholarships/Grants page of the NNCC website. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply; applications for the 2015 awards are being accepted now and will be accepted until November 30, 2015.
Winners will be notified in the spring of 2016.
NOTE: Fax copies of documents are NOT accepted.
Nephrology Nursing Advocacy Award Winners!
NNCC is very pleased to announce two winners of the Nephrology Nursing Advocacy Award for 2015:
St. Joseph Hospital, Orange, CA
Southwestern Vermont Medical Center, Renal Dialysis Unit, Bennington, VT
This award is provided annually to an organization/facility/department/unit that demonstrates that it values certification as a way to promote patient safety and improve the quality of care provided to nephrology patients. The award consists of a wall plaque, a $500 gift card, a press release and recognition on the NNCC website and at the NNCC exhibit at professional nephrology events. Details are now available on the NNCC website at www.nncc-exam.org.
NOTE: Nominations must be received no later than January 1, 2016 for the 2016 award.
Barbara F. Prowant Nursing Research Grant
NNCC established this grant to be given annually through the American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA). This 5,000 grant was established to promote nursing research, particularly in the area of nephrology. The deadline for applying for this grant is November 15, 2015. Details can be found on the ANNA website at www.annanurse.org.
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NNCC 2014 High Scorers
NNCC would like to congratulate the following certificants for achieving the high score on their certification examination in 2014:
Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician (CCHT)
- Garrett E. Comfort, Missoula, MT
- Heidi R. Grubbs, Thornton, CO
- Melinda Enlow, Enumclaw, WA
- Shaun J. Simmons, Hanford, CA
- Kenyatta L. Wilson, Hampton, VA
Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician - Advanced (CCHT-A)
- Mary Frances Bauwens, Forest, VA
Certified Dialysis - Licensed Practical Nurse (CD-LPN)
- Florence M. Rohrbaugh, Railroad, PA
Certified Dialysis Nurse (CDN)
- Laura Craze, Fond Du Lac, WI
Certified Nephrology Nurse (CNN)
- Deborah Bozek, LaPorte, TX
Certified Nephrology Nurse-Nurse Practitioner (CNN-NP)
- Christopher Sjoberg, Boise, ID
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CD-LPN/LVN WORK EXPERIENCE: CHANGES FOR RECERTIFICATION |
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NNCC approved changes to the CD-LPN/LVN work experience requirements to make the criteria consistent with those for the CDN and CNN recertification criteria.
The work hours have been decreased from 3000 hours in the previous three (3) years to 1500 hours in the previous three (3) years.
This change will be effective beginning July 1, 2015.
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| CDN CERTIFICATION: CHANGES IN CONTACT HOUR CRITERIA |
NNCC approved an increase in the CDN contact hour requirements to make the criteria consistent with those for the CNN certification criteria.
The CDN requirement of 2000 work hours in the previous two (2) years of applying for the exam is unchanged; however, the number of required continuing education credits will increase from 15 to 20 within the two (2) years prior to applying for the CDN certification examination. This is comparable to the 30 hours of continuing education credits required during 3000 work hours with three (3) years of applying for the CNN examination.
This change will be effective beginning July 1, 2015.
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| CDN RECERTIFICATION: CHANGES IN CONTACT HOUR CRITERIA |
NNCC approved an increase in the number of continuing education credits required for recertification for CDNs, which will make the criteria comparable to those of the CNN.
The number of continuing education credits required for recertification will increase from 30 hours to 45 hours in the previous three (3) years of certification, which is consistent with what is required for the CNN recertification.
This change will be effective beginning July 1, 2017.
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| CCHT-A RECERTIFICATION: CHANGES TO CONTACT HOUR CRITERIA |
NOTE: This change is for the advanced technician holding the CCHT-A credential only.
NNCC approved a recommendation made by the Clinical/Technical Board to require that 10 of the required 40 hours of continuing education credits be accredited by an approved provider. It is felt that experienced technicians holding the CCHT-A credential and working at an advanced level should seek some continuing education credits from professional meetings and educational offerings.
This change went into effect April 1, 2015.
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| REVISED CNN EXAMINATION ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA |
The August 13, 2013 issue of this E-News blast discussed the confusion about the CNN and CDN examinations, and clarifies which examination is most appropriate for a nurse to take. To review that discussion in full please click this link to go to the August, 2013 Electronic News Bulletin.
The CNN examination was developed to be a proficiency-level examination that tests a broad scope of nephrology nursing practice, which includes clinical practice in a variety of different nephrology settings. Current practice survey data continue a diverse nephrology nursing practice for the CNN. In an effort to further clarify the work experience required to take the CNN examination, the NNCC approved changes to the CNN eligibility criteria that will go into effect as of January 1, 2015. If more details about the change in the eligibility criteria are desired, please click this link to go to the April, 2014 Electronic News Bulletin.
NNCC's goal is to provide certification examinations that are consistent with current clinical practice and that support safe, quality patient care. NNCC believes that this change to the CNN examination will support this goal.
If you have questions regarding this change, please contact NNCC through email at nncc@nncc-exam.org.
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EDUCATIONAL OFFERINGS FOR HEMODIALYSIS TECHNICIANS
Hemodialysis technicians have more access to continuing education programs and materials than ever before. There are good opportunities for learning, professional growth and networking available that all hemodialysis technicians should be aware of. Please review these opportunities to obtain continuing education and make plans to attend.
Annual Dialysis Conference (ADC) — February 27 – March 1, 2016
Seattle, WA
Make plans now to attend this meeting which includes a variety of nephrology practitioners from all over the world. There is a specific track for technicians, as well as cutting-edge information on all treatment modalities. Click here for more information on this meeting.
National Kidney Foundation (NKF) — April 27 – May 1, 2016
Hynes Convention Center, Boston, MA
The NKF annual spring meeting is a great opportunity to meet and network with all types of nephrology care providers. Sessions include interactive workshops, presentation of current nephrology information and debates. There are specific sessions for all types of providers, including one specifically for nurses and technicians. Click here for more information on this meeting.
National Association of Nephrology Technicians/Technologists (NANT) — March 21 – 24, 2016
Tropicana Hotel, Las Vegas, NV
NANT offers opportunities for technician continuing education through local chapter activities, webinars, and its annual spring meeting. The 2016 spring meeting will be held at the Tropicana Hotel in Las Vegas, NV. Click here for more information on NANT local chapter activities as well as details for the Spring, 2016 meeting.
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E-MAIL NNCC FOR ASSISTANCE
 NNCC staff are available to assist with questions, but the phone can be challenging during times when many people are in the process of recertifying. If you need assistance, it is recommended that you email NNCC and a member of the office staff will contact you promptly. Simply go to the NNCC homepage at www.nncc-exam.org and click on "Contact NNCC" or add NNCC to your email address book: nncc@nncc-exam.org, for easy access.
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CONTINUING EDUCATION, CREDENTIAL VERIFICATION REMINDERS
 Please review the applicable application form and note the criteria for continuing education submitted for certification and recertification. Continuing education credits must be applicable to the person’s credential and scope of practice in nephrology. Continuing education credit for materials that do not apply to the person’s nephrology role and scope of practice will not be accepted.
Another important reminder regards the NNCC Certified Directory, available on the NNCC website at www.nncc-exam.org. The NNCC Certified Directory allows for online verification of certification. It is maintained as a searchable database that displays all individuals matching the selection criteria who have not elected to keep their information private. All managers are strongly encouraged to verify credentials by viewing this directory regularly.
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NNCC ON FACEBOOK!!
The Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission is on Facebook, and we'd love to connect with you. "Like" us on Facebook to keep up with certification and exam information, NNCC and industry news, and much more. It's also a great place to share your stories, network with fans from across the country, and get in contact with NNCC directly.
"Like" us today on Facebook by visiting www.facebook.com/NNCCExam or by clicking the link below.
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CCHT RECERTIFICATION INFORMATION YOU NEED TO KNOW
Think you know all you need to know about the CCHT recertification process? Check out our "Did You Know.." sheet, and make sure you do.
NNCC also has some frequently asked questions regarding CCHT recertification on it's Facebook page. You can view these frequently asked questions by visiting facebook.com/NNCCExam.
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ABOUT NNCC
The Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC) exists to establish credentialing mechanisms for improving the quality of care provided to nephrology patients.
The Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission supports the philosophy that there should be a diversity of examinations that will effectively provide the opportunity for certification at various levels of education, experience, and area of practice within nephrology nursing.
For more information, visit www.nncc-exam.org.
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