getting in to nursing school

Is nursing really this hard to get into?

I haven't tried yet, but from what I've read here I should apply to 10 schools.

My undergrad GPA is 2.9, but I have a grad degree in Epidemiology with a 3.3. I take the prereq sciences next semester. If I get A's am I a shu in for an accelerated program or will it take a couple of tries? Should I call around an ask about acceptance rates?

I don't work in epi any longer. I left the field 5 years ago, after 5 years, and have been doing admin work. I plan to start working as a cna in a month or two. Will that help my chances?