what to do?

[Medsport, LPN]

Hey guys, I've been an LPN for going on 3 years now. It does'nt seem that long though as it took me 6 months to find my first job and that was a couple part-time jobs. I finally got a full-time job about 9 months ago and I thought I would be all set. The reality of trying to pay all the bills being single is getting really stressful though. I'd be ok if it was'nt for either the student loans (which I took out extra for living expenses while in school) or the credit cards (which I also racked up while in school). I'm not sure what to do at this point. I'm also working a prn job, but that is sporadic and I need at least 2 days a month regular to about break even. I keep deferring my student loans payment every few months and know I can't continue to do that as the payment goes up a little each time. As it is I'm already on a 20 year payment schedule. Even though my credit is decent, I'm considering bankruptcy to at least get rid of the credit cards, but I hate to do that as it messes up your credit for several years and with my luck I'll finally get a decent interview after I file and won't be able to get another house. Plus I wonder if prospective employers will look at your financial info before they offer you a job? I originally wanted to get into a hospital, but have discovered they rarely hire LPN's, at least in my area. I've started applying in bigger cities, but know that's a long shot as I only have correctional and LTC experience, plus its a big hassle selling the house and trying to find another one in a city you know nothing about. I don't know if I should continue to plug away, maybe think about selling the house and get an apartment to save a little money. I hate to give up on the house at my age though (almost 40) as I will need a place to live when I retire and have no savings. Ideally if I could find a roommate or even better a lady to hook up with to share expenses, that would really help. But I'm pretty much a loner and like the piece and quiet. I don't even have money to go out and meet anybody. There is another nurse at work who is single, but she is quite a bit younger than me and average looking. Plus we're not supposed to date co-workers.

Anyway, as a last resort I'm thinking of going back to get my RN. I thought I was done with school as I already have 2 associates degrees (accounting and CAD), which neither lead to decent employment and I barely got through the LPN school. I guess my question is should I go back to school and if so what route? I really don't know if I can make it through the LPN to RN program at the community college as its one of the hardest in the state. Plus I work 3rd shift so that would be a hurdle. It seems my only option is online degree, but not sure what is the best one? I've heard bad things about the college network. I can't seem to find a lot of info on chancellor or ISU either. It seems like excelsior is the popular choice. I'm not too worried about most of the classes as I could do some studying during down-time at work, but the clinical component scares me. The check offs were the hardest part for me at school and it sounds like there is a weekend clinical component at the end of your coursework correct? I would hate to go through everything and spend all the money (I don't have) and not make it through. My ex is doing the excelsior thru ISU I think and said she never has to set foot in a classroom (except for tests) and does'nt have to do clinicals since she works in a rehab at a hospital. Anybody heard of anything like this? If I could find a program where you don't have to do the clinicals or do some kind of preceptor-ship, than I might give that a try. That's if I can find a way to keep the payments around $100 a month and maybe defer my current loans. Otherwise I don't know what I will do. Sorry for the long post guys. I'm at a crossroads in my life its seems and any help would be much appreciated.