need career+education advice for West-coast nursing

[justlikecrazyotto]

Hi, I live in Washington state, and am taking program pre-reqs at the community college in my town. I will be finishing up with an associates degree soon and am a little overwhelmed by all my options.

Ultimately I would like to become a nurse practitioner in WA OR or CA.

I would love any advice on nursing schools and programs in this area: do you know of one that is particularly good, inexpensive, or has a short waiting list.

Also, what are others experiences navigating this jungle...has getting an LPN on your way to RN been wonderful or horrible? Any nurses or students on the west coast have advice on what's gone well, or challenging in your career development.

I am looking at an associates RN from the school I'm at now, an LPN from the other school in town, or leaving town for a BSN program, and I don't know the logistical differences between actually going through these programs. Where is the job market at over here?