I need help PRETTY PLEASE!!!

OK, so to make a long story short, I have always wanted to be a nurse but at the college I have been attending it is IMPOSSIBLE to get into the nursing school (to get your BSN) so basicall I decided to just scrap the whole idea and major in something else. I'm graduating in May with my BS in Criminal Justice and and considering trying to pursue my dream of nursing yet again. The problem is that I'm not sure which route to take. What is the difference in ability/pay/hiring potential/etc. between a BS and an Associates in nursing? I am thinking of just going back to a community college to get my Associates since it will only take me a year or so if they let me count all the prereq-type classes I have taken as an undergrad. Do I need another Bachelors or would it be sufficient to get my Associates and get licensed (RN)? Also, you should know that I am very smart but I SUCK at chem. Thanks for any help!!! Basically I'm just scared.