I’ve been a nurse for 10 years and am desperate to leave. I get nothing out of it and feel like I’m wasting my self.

I worked up to a pretty senior level before I quit to pursue a new career. I now work ad hoc shifts on a ward to pay the bills. (It seemed like a risky move, but I have zero regrets!).
I’ve looked into “side stepping” i.e. alternative jobs for Nurses but really, I’m keen to get out of the profession all together.

I’d love to work in editing (or something similar) and am beginning an English degree through the OU. I also blog (no one reads it, but it’s an online presence).

I’m getting a little depressed working as a nurse and the prospect of doing it for the three years it will take to finish my degree is daunting.
I am aware that I am not guaranteed a job once I’ve finished my degree, but am happy to take this gamble.

I think it would be useful to get a little office experience but I can’t seem to get my foot in the door (even when accepting a 50% pay cut). My plan was to find a low paid, entry level admin job and work up a little. I’ve completed an online admin course and tailored my CV. I have applied to 1000’s of jobs.

It’s been 8 months now and I haven’t been contacted a single company.
I think all people see is a “Nurse” and it feels impossible to break out of it. I simply don’t know what to do anymore.

I’m prepared for a long slog and know that nothing will happen overnight but I feel like I hit one brick wall after another and I’m running out of options.
It’s all beginning to feel a little hopeless.

Has anyone ever undergone a dramatic career change and do you have any advice on what I can do?