degreenolicense

I completed my Bachelor's degree in 1994. When I graduated, my school wouldn't release my transcript until I finished paying them what I owed them. I had to get a job-anything in order to pay them off. It took 6 months before I could come up with the money. It then took another 3 months to get my authorization to test and then finally take the boards. I failed. At the same time, I became the sole caregiver of my mother who was fighting cancer. Also, since my mother was unable to care for herself, she was also incapable of caring for my handicapped brother (MRCP, hydrocephalus-2 vp shunts). Aside from my Bookkeeping job, I now had two full time nursing jobs at home. To make a long story short, In February 1998 my mother took a turn for the worse. On top of that, my brother (9 at the time) had a stroke leaving him in a coma for several months. My mom died in May of 98. I ended up adopting my brother so that he could be covered by my insurance. He is now 15 and more disabled then he had been before. He is totally dependent on me for everything. He just had his 29th shunt revision in August but is doing quite well. He can't speak but he can smile and hug which makes it all worthwhile. I am now in a place in my life that I want to persue my nursing career. Any suggestions?? I want to work in the field but since I don't have my license what are my options?? Of course studying and passing the boards would be the best option, but I have to pay the bills in the meantime. Sorry this is so long. I would appreciate any input.