You have my condolences on your recent loss. As far as your question goes, you have to go for what you have a passion for.........going for a degree just because it will be completed earlier will leave you with a "feeling of emptiness". Have you considered getting a CNA certification? It doesn't take long to earn and it will give you a bit of insight as to whether nursing will suit you. Well, after you earn an Advanced Skills certificate(which you can get in even shorter time after earning CNA certi.)..........Advanced Skills cert. gives you even more opportunities for working in different environments, which will especially help you decide if you want to be a nurse:nuke: