Not sure what to do

I have posted in here before. I am currently a deputy Sheriff. I have banked 5 years in to this profession even after obtaining my Bachelor's Degree prior to this job. Almost three years ago I started having the inclination to go back and get my RN. However, it took up until this point to get up enough nerve and determination to #1. change jobs after having 5 yrs in a profession, #2. getting up enough determination to go back to school.

I am a mother of a 5 mths old daughter and a 6 year old adopted son. I love dealing with children. So I am trying to determine if I want to be a L&D nurse or work in the nursery.

I would really like to leave my current job to at least start out as a CNA so I can be in the nursing field and begin gaining some experience rather than staying in this position and working on getting my license. I would like to put my knowledge to practical application! LOL! But I have numerous questions. So here they are if anyone can provide some insight.

#1. Can CNA's work in L&D or in the nursery?

#2. For those who have obtained a Bachelor's degree and then decided to go back for their RN, did you have to repeat any of our core curriculum from college? Currently the school I would attend stated no. However, they will not allow me to test out of biology. I would have to take it since the last bio class I had was in high school

#3. For those who live in TN, is it hard to find positions within L&D and the nursery?

#4. Is it true that most hospitals opt for hiring LPN's rather than RN's? I have heard this in the past.

#5. Provide me with any assistance or guidance that you might have.