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Preparing for CDN

By Sally Siebe posted 02-11-2011 18:27

  
It's my understanding that because I have an Associates Degree in Nursing I can only obtain the Certified Dialysis Nurse (CDN) credentials as opposed to if I had a Bachelors then I could obtain the Certified Nephrology Nurse (CNN) credentials. I'm wondering what the difference is between the two and if employers look at each differently or the same.  I purchased the Core Curriculum for Nephrology Nursing text book a while back (over a year) but I'm having a hard time committing to getting through it.  What were your experiences in getting your CDN?  How did you motivate yourself to get through it?  Did you have a study partner?  What is a realistic timeframe for each section?  How does the process work?  Does one have to complete each section then take a final exam at a testing center or is completing each section and all sections all that is required?  Any and all comments welcome. 
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Rick Brady
02-17-2011 09:57

I am an associate degree RN who took the CNN exam about 10 yrs ago, prior to the CDN designation. In my experience, the employer is more concerned with certifacation, not the level. I used the Core Curriculm and had a study partner. We went thru each section and met on a weekly basis to review and discuss the content. Additionally our local chapter host a review session one each year, which last 6-8 hours. The hardest part is focusing on the areas that you don't deal with on a daily basis, such as PD, transplant, medications, plasmaphesis and acute setting. Best of luck in accomplishing your goal.

Katherine Cure
02-15-2011 20:05

Sally, I took the CDN as I only have a diploma, though working toward a BSN. Anyway, I used the previous Core Curriculum which had like 500 review questions in the back of the book. I would take about 10-20 questions and then those that I didn't do well on would look up the answers and study from there. I did not read the whole book. Good luck!

Sharon Bunnell
02-15-2011 13:46

I have had my CNN for 12 years. In Nephrology for 25 years. It was something I had been thinking about but just hadn't done. When I prepared for the test, I had a couple of editions of the Core Curriculum and began by taking the self assessment tests. The fifth edition has them in the back. I used that to identify my strengths and weaknesses. I then would go to the book to review. I kept taking the various tests until I felt I was ready. I did not have a study partner but believe it would help. I gave my self a deadline by registering and then preparing for the test.
Good luck.