are there some distance learning course I can take to demonstrate them I'm able to follow a course at university level??
Access to HE courses are full-time 1 year courses that start in September - some places also run the course part-time over 2 years. You could apply to study one of these. Alternatively, perhaps look at taking a module or two with the Open University - these are distance learning courses.
Any advice to move the first step to be a nurse?
Who hasn't sent their UCAS application off yet?
What surprised you when you started university?