Career Path!

So first of I am a mother of 2 children 8&7 months... I know it's never to late to start your career well I decide I want to start school in 2013 as an cna because I know nothing about registered nurse being a RN was something I wanted to be since I was 10 years old I love children... While my point is it better to first out as a CNA. Or just got to a LPN/RN which will take 4 years + perequisite

My path was to. Become a CNA-LPN-RN I. Know it will take time but I don't want to jump right in LPN or RN because a lot of people even friends say its hard I want to take my time and do it right also I will be volunteering at a hospital while I'm in school to also get more experience do you guys think that's a good thing to do.

Also do you guys think if I volunteer in the nursey will I get a job in nicu level 1 or the nursey/ mother-baby after I graduate the Associate RN program