I'm a newbie...nurses input, please!!!!

Hello all! I just registered on this website this morning. Basically, I'm 36, have one year of college under my belt, and three boys (10, 13, 16). I'm married, have a new home and HAD a great accounting job (without the education - worked my way into it) for seven years. For the last ten years, I've looked into nursing because it's REALLY what I've wanted to do....in the fall, my accounting job ended as the company closed due to the economy.
I'm scared, but I WANT TO BE A NURSE. I signed up for the fall CNA course in my area (40 minutes away) so I can get into the night/weekend ADN program. I know it's going to be hard (I work part-time for friends who own a restaurant). I've talked myself out of going to school for this for years...my kids are too little....I already have a great job...etc....all those excuses are null and void now.
I just want to go for it! I need financial aid, and I'm not sure how I'll pay the bills, but I feel like I HAVE to do this or I'll be in food service forever. I've always had great grades in school and I feel like I have a lot to offer if I can just get through the schooling and "life". I won't let fear stop me!
Speaking of fear - I've seen a lot of discouraging posts on here about jobs. It seems like jobs are scarce, but I have seen quite a few on my local jobnets and in newspapers. I'm sure the healthcare industry IS affected by this harsh economy, but that will turn around, right? I feel like nothing should stop me, and having a skills set and an education will get me a lot further than what I've got going for me now. I just want this BADLY. I could use my 7 years accounting experience, but the truth is, I LIKE working with people and accounting was not for me. I need to make a difference in the world helping people.
I would appreciate any insight any nurses have, any encouragement, advice.....I'm listening!!! Thanks to everyone, and I admire what you do SO MUCH that I'm going to do it, too!!!!