Congratulations on your degree, I just attended my 50th nursing school reunion, I don't think any of us regretted becoming RN's. AT 50 I returned to school & became a nurse practitioner.
Anyway, as to sewing machines, you'll get a different answer from everyone on this board. Go to the different dealers in your area & test drive the different models & brands. the vintage machines are great but I have to admit I totally love the computerized multi stitch & mutli task machines, my favorites are Brother or Babylock (Brother makes the Babylock) In my opinion much more bang for the dollar.
Personally I would stay away from Viking, Pfaff & Singer at this point in time, a couple of years ago those brands were acquired by a holding company and have been going thru growing pains & it is difficult to find parts for the older models which were great machines. Hopefully they will be able to rebound.
When you test drive the machine that is right for you you'll know it, it will call your name.
Let us know what you decide