The end of last semester is slowly creeping up on our columnist Chelsea. With less than two months to go, the thoughts of walking across a stage and saying goodbye to college (for now) are becoming very real. Last time she wrote, Chelsea talked about her desire to land the nursing job of her dreams near her home in Boston. Today, she shares her thoughts on two more crucial upcoming events: the NCLEX and graduation.

So, spring break during my senior year was quite uneventful. I guess that’s okay because I did get some work done and got to spend some time at the gym. Let me tell you, those NCLEX questions can make you dizzy! I’ve done around 400 so far and the computer screen is no longer my friend. I have 600 more to complete and I am not looking forward to them. Some are so tricky because they have two right answers. But that’s why I am practicing them.

Next week, I have my HESI (Health Education Systems, Inc.) exam on Monday and we have to achieve a 900 on it. The HESI is a standardized exam that is supposed to be a good test of our abilities and knowledge. This is something that my school does to help us be better prepared for the NCLEX.

I’m a little nervous because I don’t want to have to redo it. Last year, we needed only an 850, but we have to do better this time around. This year, they raised the passing mark to 900 because it was decided that it was a better indicator as to how well we will fare on the NCLEX. The higher the score, it is thought, the more likely you will pass the licensure exam. The exam does seem pretty fair, and it seems to test all our skills, even things like professionalism.

Enough on exams; let’s talk about something a bit more fun: I’m sure every nursing program has a pinning ceremony separate from graduation. Ours is the day before graduation on May 17th. Well, the head of the nursing division, who happens to be my professor this semester, asked us if there was anyone who would like to say a few things on behalf of the classes at pinning. So, naturally, I volunteered myself.

Then I came up with the idea that the four officers should put something together because we represent our class. I don’t know what I am going to even say, but I think I will just reflect back on the amazing experience that I have had. I have made some great friends and become a better person. I have a feeling there won’t be a dry eye in the place. I am truly looking forward to it. Only two months away!

Now, for the hard part: Does anyone have any ideas about what I could talk about? Maybe some inspirational quotes? Did you speak at your pinning ceremony? Email your thoughts to editor@stressedoutnurses.com and I’ll try to put together a list here on the site.

That’s it for now. See y’all later!

Editor’s note: Chelsea is a senior nursing student at small liberal arts college 20 miles outside of Boston. Her column “Last Semester” appears weekly, exclusively on StressedOutNurses.com.