Certified Dialysis Nurse – CDN (NNCC)

By Raising Careers Staff | Updated: August 2019

Certification Description

The Certified Dialysis Nurse (CDN) certification certifies that an individual has the experience and knowledge to work with patients who require dialysis. A Certified Dialysis Nurse (CDN) will help perform dialysis treatments and monitor patients through the process.

Skills Focus

The certification focuses on the following areas:

• Understanding of pathologic processes and complications
• Familiarity with appropriate actions to administer medications to the patient
• Knowledge of infection control
• Understanding of suitable teaching techniques to use with patients and families
• Competency working with physiologic and technical principles of renal replacement therapies
• Knowledge of quality improvement and staff development
• Familiarity with interdisciplinary approaches across the continuum of care

Exam Objectives

Download Exam Objectives

Exam Details

• Issuing Organization: Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC)
• Prerequisites: Applicant must be a current RN; applicant must have completed 2,000+ hours of experience in nephrology nursing in the last 2 years; applicant must have 20+ contact hours of approved continuing education credit in nephrology nursing
• Questions: 150
• Time: 180 minutes
• Cost: Cost: $300 for members of the American Nephrology Nurses Association, the National Kidney Foundation and the Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs and $350 for non-members
• Re-certification and certification renewal: Every 3 years
• Exam Outline

Other relevant details: N/A

Certified Dialysis Nurse Careers

Jobs you can get with a CDN (NNCC) certification (additional requirements may apply):

• Registered Nurse (RN)
• Certified Nephrology Nurse
• Certified Dialysis Nurse

Salary (Base Level)

A specialty certification may not only increase your employability, but may increase your earnings potential as well. Keep in mind that your actual salary can vary substantially depending on region, job description and employer expectations. Reference salary for the Registered Nurse (RN) shown. Salary based on 2019 data.

National average per year: $71,730
National average per hour: $34.48

Learn more

*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Exam Preparation

• Study from the key topics on the exam objectives and blueprint
• Review study guides
• Review the certification preparation guide
• Use flashcards as a study aid
• Review the reference list of study materials

Important: This is not a complete list of all certification training and learning options available. Remember to thoroughly research and choose study materials that fit your learning style and needs. This step is crucial to help you succeed in your certification exam.