Considering a career change

I am 41 years of age and considering a career change from the Information Systems field to Nursing. I currently possess a B.A. in Information Systems Management and I am thinking of pursuing a BSN degree. I have been laid off from several companies over the last 10 years and I am finding that the IT industry for me is no longer a very rewarding career.

4 months ago, I was laid off from one of the largest if not the largest Independent and Assisted Living care providers in the country that provides IL and AL services to approximately 600 care facilities. I certainly learned quite a bit about the organizational structure and operations of a large IL and AL org, but also I learned much more about myself in that I have a passion for helping people. Co-workers from last org that I worked for also noticed this about me, but also, I took notice in that I developed so many working relationships throughout the entire company.

I seem to have lost my zest to continue working the IT industry...more of being burned out especially with respect to the last company I worked for where I was responsible for business process re-engineering in order to streamline operations associated with access controls(protecting information assets). It was a very challenging opportunity with very tight project deadlines. I learned more than just new IT operations process introduction and departmental startup, but also how IL and AL facilities operate from a bottom line and back end perspective.

Thinking about changing careers and going back to school to earn a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing; I am in a bit of a pickle. I am happily married and have three daughters, 1, 2 and 5 years of age. My wife and I have discussed the possibility of me going back to school. At present, she is all for it, but the effects on our finances and general Family life is weighing on my mind. More information will come about over the next few weeks as I gather my transcripts and attend a meeting with an advisor at a local University.

I have contacted a local University to find more information on the subject and have found that there is a program for folks that currently hold a Bachelor's degree or so called "second degree candidates". Thinking of the future after earning a BSN and passing the required state boards/examination to be licensed as an RN, I will pursue the Masters of Science in Nursing in order to earn the Nurse Practitioner status, but before I embark upon earning BSN and NP status, are there ways in which one can become gainfully employed in the industry?

I understand that there is a CNA or Certified Nursing Assistant Certificate that one can earn?

How does one go about earning such a certificate and becoming gainfully employed to assist nurses in order to earn some living expense money and to learn more about the profession?

Are there hospitals/clinics that are in need of CNAs that are willing to pay for training and certification?

How is the current labor market for Nurse Practitioners and Registered Nurses?

What are some of the most demanding job related challenges that a Nurse Practitioner must endure on a daily basis?

What are some of the major obstacles for a male in considering Nursing as a profession?

For anyone out there that works at a University, has there been an influx of new students interested in nursing programs due to the current Great Recession?

What were some of the most challenging courses for both the BSN and MS in Nursing?



Any information about the profession for someone that is considering a career change is greatly appreciated.

All the best to all Nurses out there!