LPN verses RN in NC Hospital

I want to work in the mother/baby unit at the hospital here in NC, but am not sure how things work in this state. I don't want to be in school forever and want to get into it as soon as possible. My delima is if I go to a 2 year program to become a LPN, I understand they have less responsibilities with medicines and IV's, which I am fine with, but I don't know if this will make it more difficult to get the job I want, and if it is really necessary for me to become an RN, which seems to take up to 4 years around here. What should I do? And are online schools a good idea, or is it worth me taking my time and going to a campus, even though there aren't many around here? Thanks for any advice I can get!