NNCC Certification Exams

Established in 1987, the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission was created to develop and implement certification exams for nephrology nursing. The NNCC is an independent organization that collaborates with the Center for Nursing Education and Testing (C-NET) to develop, administer, and evaluate exams. The NNCC is recognized by the American Nephrology Nurse Association (ANNA) and works collaboratively with the ANNA to promote and advertise the exams that they offer.


The NNCC works to promote high standards for nephrology nursing practice through the administration of dialysis certification exams. These exams are designed to assess the competence of clinical care professionals who provide the services required to treat patients who suffer from end stage renal disease. Since patient care is a collaborative process that requires the combined efforts of physicians, nurses, and technicians, the NNCC has created exams that evaluate the skills of both nurses and technicians. In all, this organization offers six different exams to dialysis professionals including the certified dialysis nurse, certified dialysis LPN/LVN, certified nephrology nurse, certified clinical hemodialysis technician, advanced certified clinical dialysis technician, and certified nephrology nurse – nurse practitioner. …Click Here to Continue Reading


Living with One Kidney

The kidney is a unique anatomical structure that has many different jobs in the human body. Although most people go through life with 2 functional kidneys, it is possible to continue living with only one functional kidney. The kidney is capable of enlarging to increase its capacity in the event that an individual is born with only a single kidney, experiences kidney failure, or has a kidney removed. Those who suffer from end stage renal failure in both kidneys cannot survive without dialysis treatment or a transplant.

Health Conditions that Result in a Single Kidney


There are many reasons why an individual may end up with only one functional kidney. A condition known as renal agenesis occurs when one or both of the kidneys fail to develop before birth. Infants that are born without a single functional kidney often die within a few hours of being delivered. In most cases, those who suffer from renal agenesis are born with at least one functional kidney and are able to enjoy life living with one kidney. Although unilateral renal agenesis does not lead to serious health consequences, some females are born sterile and all adults are at greater risk of developing high blood pressure. …Click Here to Continue Reading


Dialysis Technician Certification

The dialysis technician represents a critical component of the patient care team because of their many responsibilities and the large amount of time they spend with patients. While a technician may not possess the same level of advanced education as that of other personnel, they are held to the same high standards of professionalism found in other medical specialties. To promote quality care, the CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) requires those working in this field to obtain dialysis technician certification.


According to new government legislation (§ 494.140), patient care qualifications include certification by a state or national certification program available to newly employed patient care technicians within eighteen months of hire as a dialysis patient care technician or for patient care technicians employed on October 14th, 2008 within 18 months after that date. This means that anyone who is considering a career as a technician in this profession will be required to complete a certification exam in order to provide direct patient care. …Click Here to Continue Reading