Registered Nurse or Nurse Practitioner? I am thinking of becoming a nurse and I don't know which to do.?

I know I want to have a career in nursing, I am just not sure which way to go. I have heard different things from different sources and I would like to confirm what i have heard.

1) What are the differences?
2) What does it take to become either of them?
3) How long does it usually take to get a nursing degree for these?
4) Which is the higher level of nursing certification?

I appreciate any help you can give me. Thank you.

I don't really have the option of becoming a doctor. I am pregnant and i am going back to college a few months after I have the baby. My boyfriend is going to be the doctor in the family, as much as i support his dream I personally want to be a nurse instead. It will be hard enough getting my nursing certificate with a baby, but 8 years of college will make it too hard to raise my child. But thank you for the suggestion. I appreciate it all the same.

Difference:
A registered nurse performs a range of duties, including recording medical histories, examining patients, providing treatment, and assisting in the administration of diagnostic tests. An RN may also analyze the results of certain tests, operate medical machinery, and administer medications. Often, RNs play active roles in helping patients with follow-up care, as well as educating them about various medical conditions. They may not prescribe medication.

Like an RN, a nurse practitioner performs many tasks involved in examining and treating patients. However, in most states, NPs are licensed to prescribe medications and may perform many of the same tasks as physicians, including diagnosing patient conditions. They may work in medical offices, hospitals, or other types of medical facilities, but do not require the supervision of a physician. Furthermore, NPs may act as primary-care providers, while RNs cannot.
What does it take/how long:
To become an RN, an individual must typically obtain least an associate's degree in nursing. To become an NP, an individual must first meet the requirements to become an RN. Once licensed as an RN, that individual can choose to receive the additional training and education required to become an NP. This training typically last about two years and leads to, at least, a master's degree. Once the required education and training is complete, the NP candidate must pass a national exam to be licensed.The NP is a higer level of nursing.

You have to be a Registered nurse with a BSN to get further education to become a Nurse Practitioner. A Nurse practitioner has a masters or higher degree. So start with you BSN and continue your education to become a nurse practitioner. The responsibilities are greater as a Nurse Practitioner, but so is the pay.

Rn or CRNA

CRNA takes the longest about 7 years.
RN is about 4 years.
Try typing them on wikipedia.org this site has tons on info.

In either case you need to do college first. Rather than going for the practitioners cert, you may want to consider going for an MD. A few years more and very much more income power.
Thats college plus 4 years in Med School, then one year internship in which you earn money. Then your residency varies depending on the field you select, many are 4 years but you earn money doing that. Then join or start a practice.
Good luck