Bay Area Student Super Confused On Options

Hey everyone,
I apologize if this question is old news but I gotta ask for some help here. I have been doing pre-reqs since fall 2006 mostly part time at CC for their nursing program while working a full time job during the day. Last fall I started going to CC just about full time so I could get these pre-reqs done while working part time. My goal is RN--figured CC Associates was the only way to go. Well, here I am about to start another fall semester and I know the programs in the Bay Area are so impacted that I'm facing the facts that even if I get all my pre-erqs done by next fall, it is still likely I could be waiting another year or two before I even get into a nursing program. I'm wondering if I should consider stopping what I'm doing and start a LPN program instead? Is that REALLY a more streamlined way of doing things? I guess I could work as LPN for a while first then go back for RN...

I am married and we can sustain on his income (barely) so I feel like I need some answers as to how long this is REALLY going to take. I know everyone's circumstance are different, but is there anyone that has experience with this mess of a question?
Oi Vay, I'm feeling so overwhelmed.
Thank you for any input you can provide, I'm bumming out right 'bout now.