What's the best route for applying to schools?

Hi all!

Brand new here and hoping you can help. If there's a better place to post this, just point the way and I'll gladly oblige.

I graduated college with a BA in English and a lousy GPA of 2.6 due to depression and bla bla etc. Now four years later I've decided to pursue a career in nursing, however I know I have my work cut out for me if I want any hope of getting into a decent school. I'm prepared for this challenge, as I know I am smarter and more capable than my GPA reflects. My question to you all is if it would make more sense to go to a community college to bulk up my transcipts and then pursue a BSN directly, or take a more roundabout route by becoming an RN and gain some work experience, recommendations, etc., and then try my hand at a BSN and possibly a Master's later on down the line. Any insight would be very much appreciated. I can't wait to soon join your ranks one day!