I want to become a nurse, which way should I go about it?

Hi all, so currently I am a stay home mom with a toddler and a baby, so I probably won’t be able to do much for a couple of years, but I know I want to go into nursing.

from 18-22 I worked as a receptionist in an outpatient Endoscopy unit and I really loved all of the nursing staff, they had all been nurses for decades and were really kind and good at their jobs. seeing that I decided to get a certificate in Medical Assisting so I could get some clinical experience and see if I truly liked doing that side of things. although I didn’t have nearly as much responsibility as an RN, i got to do phlebotomy, EKG’s, vaccines etc and I really enjoyed it despite the busy chaotic schedule, staff shortages and occasional hostility from patients. I did that for 2 years and then had a child and never went back to work 😭

i guess what i’m wondering is, should i go straight for a BSN, or is ASN? then I could do an online thing for RN-BSN. I’m also considering doing LPN since it’s a little quicker.

i know nursing is a very difficult job, especially bedside. as current nurses, what are your thoughts/advice?

thank you