It wouldn't hurt to talk with a nursing adviser at your school to get a better idea of what challenges academically you may or may not be up against. If you are an older or returning student there is often an issue with outdated classes not transferring. (our math and science could be no older than 5 years at time of admission.) also to get a feel for the time line of how much needs to be completed before you can even get started in a program. My nursing program is a 2 year ADN program. but the pre reqs to get in can not be accomplished in less than 3 semesters. It is a smaller school and some classes are only offered certain semesters.
Different schools will have a different path to your degree. I have seen some follow a path of CNA, to LPN, to RN/BSN. Others (like mine) are a straight to an RN program. Both have their + &-. like how early you might enter the workforce.
I would not let jobs and economy be too much of a deciding factor. Who knows what another couple of years will bring. One of the nurses I followed last semester told be that whenever she has wanted or needed a job in nursing, she has had one. It my not always be in your dream department, but there will always be a need for nurses. (long term care, home health, community health, Hospice, etc)
Hope you find some of the answers you are looking for. I will graduate in May and cannot wait to begin my career in nursing.
~Betsy
