C.O.toR.N.

Hello Everyone, I am currently a Correction Officer with the City of New York and have been there for about 4 years. I am in my late 20's and I am looking to change my career. The benefits, retirement, and pay for where I work are awesome, but the job is just too much fighting and I dont feel like I am helping anyone. I have always been interested in nursing and I have begun looking into going to school to become a R.N. I already have my bachlors degree in a non-related field, but I am not sure how to approach getting my degree. I know they offer Associates Degrees in places like Westchester Community College and out Community Colleges in the area, but of course getting a bachlors degree is always better. I'm not looking to quit my job and go to school full time so it is going to have to be something part time. Does anyone have any insight into getting an associates degree first and then attempting to get a job as a R.N. and getting a bachlors while working as an R.N. or is that a waste of time and I should just get my bachlors degree first. I dont want to spend several years in school getting my degree. I would like to get my associates in nursing, get my foot in the door and get some experiance under my belt and then work on my bachlors. What are peoples opinions on this and what do you recommend as far as an associates degree in nursing? I dont want to offend anyone by saying this, but I am a male and I have heard from some people that places are more likely to hire males due to the lifting nature of the job....please dont let that offend anyone because i dont mean it like that. Thank you so much for your input and any type of information will be very much appreciated. Thank you!