How do I get into nursing?

[somehowsunshine]

Please help as I've googled and googled with no clearer idea as to how I can become a nurse or healthcare assistant nurse.
I graduated with a science degree 15 years ago. Qualified teacher.
DH earns fairly good money. Two primary children.
Mortgage, car.
I currently earn £600 a month.
How can train to become a nurse? I don't have any money. Why isn't it free if they are crying out for nurses?

With a first degree there is a 2 year route to an MSc and professional registration run by some universities.
Nursing used to attract bursaries but funding arrangements have now all changed and full fees are required. It's pretty shit considering how many nurses short the NHS is
The other route you could consider is getting a job as a Health Care Assistant and after a qualifying period there are both part time and full time schemes supported by employers. Tbh though this route would be painful if you already have a first degree as it is time consuming and aimed at undergrad level.
Would you qualify for a student loan for fees? Most MSc students I know have qualified and work as an HCA throughout their study for their living costs

You would also get the NHS bursary/learning support fund of £5k a year.

There are nursing degree apprenticeships available. These tend to go to internal candidates so it might be better off to get a role as a healthcare assistant to then access these.

I’m in a very similar position, although I have three kids, youngest being a baby. I have worked since graduation on health care research projects, in various roles, but I really want to work more directly in healthcare, being a nurse or maybe a mw, feels like it’s just what my heart has alway been set on but I can’t logically explain why.
It’s insane the fees they are still charging, given the massive shortage, it makes it just no feasible atm for me. Hoping things will change soon to help meet demand.

Where are you based?
Do you want to do an undergraduate nursing degree or a postgraduate one?