Where to Start??

Hello everyone. I am very new to this field and have really been thinking that I want to get into nursing with my ultimate goal to become an RN. Previously I was working in an eye doctors office as a dispensing optician and am not really sure where to start when thinking about a career in nursing. I am currently a stay at home mom and have the opportunity to go to class in the evening while my husband watches our daughter. I am very interested in this career and would just like some guidance to see where I should start since I will need to start from scratch. I have been told to go and get my CNA and get a job in a hospital and then use my employer to help pay for my schooling. Is that something that is possible or is that a goal that I shouldn't be focusing on right now and should just enroll in a college and start an Associates or Bachelors in nursing? Also would online classes hurt me if I were to get an online degree instead of going to a traditional community college/ university? Thank you all very much and I hope you can help me out as I am wanting to get started ASAP.