FirePhage

I'm nearly 40, and have had a terrible string of lousy jobs since high school. I'm tired of the fact that I cannot support my family. This has led me to consider going back to school for something that will change that. Nursing seems to be the best option. All the carreer prospects indicate that job growth will be good, and the colleges I'm looking at are boasting near 100% job placement rates. Then again, I see posts here talking about how people are having a difficult time getting a job- even after applying for craploads of positions. What is the truth here? IF I do this, should I expect to be entertaining job offers, or sitting on my hands hoping something will fall into my lap? If it matters, I'm located in Ottawa county (on the lake, between Toledo and Cleveland), although I am very ok with the idea of moving to one of the big C's after graduation. Is there a way to work into the workforce while still in school, so that I am (more) desireable upon graduation/licensure? FWIW- I am planning on getting my EMT certs- and hope to be a paramedic when I graduate. Would an STNA or maybe phlebotomy cert make any difference? Thanks for the info! FirePhage