Advice regarding my first steps towards nursing career

[AspiringInDC]

Hello everyone,
I have a non-nursing bachelor's degree and work full-time in the tech field. I am taking pre-requisites for an accelerated nursing degree (planning to start next fall of 08). I have this whole next year to take the courses. My problem is that my full-time job is getting in the way of my courses, and that is what is most important to me at this time. I cannot wait to start the nursing school and I'd like to get into a good once because I plan to go into nursing research (I will get another degree after my accelerated).
The advice I need is: what is the best way for me to spend my next year while taking pre-req's? I am already quitting my current job. So, do I get another job in my current technology field (knowing I'm leaving in a year for full-time nursing school)? Or - do I take more pre-req's and go to school full- time and start up on my loans (because I won't be working)? Is there some other medical job I might be able to do while taking my pre-req's?
I am not sure what may be the best route for me to take, considering I am looking to position myself well for a nursing program next fall.
Any and all help would be greatly appreciated! I've read some of the forums and everyone has been so helpful so I figured I should join and see what you all have to say.
Thanks!

[TomB]

Hi Aspiring,

What is you bachelors degree? What tech field are you referring to?

Many hospitals will hire student nurses. I worked as a "Student Nurse Extern" while in school - but I think you need to be enrolled in clinicals.