associates or bachelors?

It will depend on which positions you are applying for when you choose to move up the ladder and apply for nursing promotions. The "benefits" of having a BSN is that there are research and management classes that some management positions require. I don't know if a bachelors degree in another field would do much good when moving up the ladder.

Furthermore, I am not sure how it would work if you decided to pursue your MSN without a BSN first. There are many ADN to MSN programs, but I don't think a traditional MSN (or Ph.D. / DNP) program would accept you without a BSN. But again it will depend on the program.

Edit: I forgot to add something -- Nevada State College (NSC) has an accelerated 12-month BSN program for students with previous bachelor degrees. Perhaps that is something you want to look at.

You might also want to look into Touro, they too have a BSN fast track for students who attain a Bachelors... They will also accept your C+'s. Check it out and keep us posted to what you decide...!