Hi, I'm new to this forum, so I apologize if I am posting in the wrong place/way.
I have little idea what my best options are, and am confused as a result.
Disclaimer:
I have read many old posts from people in similar situations as me (got a B.S. degree, trying to switch to nursing, etc.), but they have not been very helpful because they were either outdated or the information was confusing.
Main questions:
Given my situation, what is the quickest and least expensive path for me to become a nurse? (When I say "nurse," I am referring to a hospital RN, not a CNA, LVN, or LPN.)
My short-term priority is to be able to get a nursing job, so that I can pay off debts. I hear "accelerated BSN" a lot, but the time+money problem is complicated by #2.
I am intrigued by the idea of also becoming a nurse anesthetist (CRNA?) further down the road (further = if the way the education system works requires me to do other stuff first), since I assume I need significant RN experience first to be eligible for that track.
However, I found "direct entry MSN programs" that seem to be a shortcut way for people to skip the "BSN" altogether and just become a "CRNA" without needing to work as an "RN" first? I don't fully understand the path, whether it has any catches, or whether it can get me to where I want faster/cheaper.
What do nursing programs want to see in their applicants? Lots of community service/volunteering? Leadership history? Unique experiences?
* The program sites I've been reading focus mostly on the pre-req courses, but I don't want to be lured into thinking that's all they look for, unless it really is that straightforward.
I have no idea where I stand, or whether any of the extracurricular stuff I did in college matters/translates well into a nursing track.
If you read everything up to here, thank you so much :') I would be very appreciative of any advice.