There are quite a few websites that give information about what degree and training you need to go into nursing, allowing you to make a plan to get the nursing job you want. Start at University websites, those are the most reputable.
No, absolutely not. CNA or certified nursing assistant, is the starting level of nursing jobs. Starting level jobs are never the highest paying job in a field.
There are plenty of jobs in that field - you firstly need to decide what environment you wish to work in - perhaps on a ward, in a doctor's surgery, etc. Then the jobs vary from nursing, senior nursing, associate nurse, health care assistant.
Nursing and health services sales, perhaps? Or other fields, too, that do not require a degree in their own field.
There are organizations that help convicted felons to find a job. There are not many opportunities in the nursing field as you can't be a felon to pass your nursing boards or even take the test.
You can find nursing assistant jobs at : www.indeed.com/q-Nursing-Assistant-jobs.html, www.simplyhired.com/a/jobs/list/q-nursing+assistant, jobs.monster.com Healthcare
what factors influence the availability of jobs in nursing
Local nursing opportunities will vary, depending on where you live. I would suggest visiting Monster, Healthcare Jobs, or Nurse.com (websites linked below), and plug in your exact location for job openings in the nursing field.
Different types of nursing jobs are available in a hospital. Almost all departments have nurses that specialize in that area. You can also find out about different types of nursing jobs at nursing schools.
The top RN jobs today are possibly nursing, medical doctors, and many others in the medical field. For example a pharmacist, nurse in a hospital or just a doctor in a clinic those are the possibly best jobs in the RN field today.
The health field is expanding rapidly. Jobs in nursing and other health related occupations are available for everyone, no matter what your educational background.
Indeed and typesofnurses.net both have listings for Dialysis jobs. You can search on their sites for available jobs in your area. You can also post your resume on their sites for potential employers to look at.
There may not be nursing jobs immediately available to you. You may still need to take classes specifically in nursing in order to qualify for such jobs.