free tuition programs and best way to enter field

I'm seriously contemplating entering the field of nursing and am hoping to get more info. as to the best ways to go about it. There are so many acronyms listed on this site so i'm a little confused. I understand employers prefer a BSN as opposed to some of the accelerated degrees available but withstanding (and paying) for 4 more years of tuition will be tough and I feel a little old to be goinig back for a BSN at 29 years of age. I'm currently in debt with school loans from obtaining a masters degree in international relations a few years ago (common thread in each field is that I have a heart to serve) . So in short... my first question is if anyone knows of any programs offering free tuition? I've heard of a few but I was hoping to get a broader list. Maybe you as reader are thinking, 'dream on!' but they're out there due to shortages, right? And my second question do any of you know of any invaluable resources that may give me a good idea of quality programs or sound methods to be able to decipher good programs from poorer ones. Basically, any information would be wonderful, especially info. on free programs. Thank you for your time reading this. ~margaret