CNN Exam

The CNN (Certified Nephrology Nurse) exam and certification is the standard for nephrology nurses in the United States. Nephrology is the study of the kidneys and their supporting systems. Nephrology nurses specialize in diseases and ailments of the kidney and maintaining kidney health. Nephrology nurses take care of patients throughout their lives, helping the healthy maintain their kidney health while ministering to those in the final stages of kidney failure. It requires knowledge of all the body's organs and functions as the renal system acts in unison with the other systems of the body. The CNN is administered by the NNCC (Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission), a group of nursing professionals and educators responsible for maintaining industry standards.

The exam has two hundred questions that deal with various aspects of kidney care and health. Test takers are given four hours to complete the exam (three if they take the computer-based version). There are questions about diagnosis and treatment. There are questions that deal with medication and intervention. There are also questions that deal with patient care, like the psychological impact of kidney disease. Finally, there are questions concerning professional conduct and ethics. All of these questions are sprinkled throughout a matrix of situations involving areas of nephrology nursing, such as hemodialysis, transplants, and peritoneal dialysis. A successful candidate must answer close to three quarters of the questions correctly.

CNN certification lasts for three years and requires experience as well as a passing CNN score. Recertification involves continuing education within the nephrology field. If all of the credits necessary for recertification have not been taken, it is possible to fulfill the requirement through another exam. Professional licensing requirements like these ensure that the industry maintains high standards and updates current practices regularly. There is also a certification exam for nurse practitioners in the field of nephrology.

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