In need of some solid advice!

this question pertains to getting into nursing school in chicago, so if anyone can help me out i would REALLY appreciate it!

here's my situation: i've been going to school part time for about 4 years now, taking all the pre-reqs and gen-eds needed for pharmacy school (that was my original plan). i've decided to go into nursing now, because that was always something i've wanted to do. anyhow, i've got pretty much all my courses covered but for a humanities class or two. about 4 years ago hard times hit, and that's why i've been doing all this part time, taking one or two classes a semester at a city college, while failing miserable at trying to save money to pay off a debt that i owe the university i attended previously. as you know, if your tuition is not paid, your transcripts are not sent.

SO

i want to apply to nursing school, but i don't know how or where to start. my debt will be paid soon; not tomorrow but in the new year. i was planning on applying to rush, maybe even give UIC another shot.

should i forego all that and maybe try the programs at the city colleges, get an associates first, start working as a nurse finally, and get a bachelor's later on?

will the 'big schools' reject me because of my long time stint as a part time student (even thought my a&p courses are current); will i run into trouble because my academic performance was not impressive before i got to the city college? when should i ask prof's for letters of recommendation?

if anyone can give me their input, i'd be glad. i want to straighten this all out finally, it's been too long.

thanks!