Nursing Education and Careers?

Ok here are the basics. I'm 20 years old. I graduated high school two years ago. I have not gone to college. I have an interest in Nursing.
how do you know what kind of nurse is right for you?
how do you get started?
I was thinking about maybe doing some online classes, would that be any good?
I was told that if I get a job working at a hospital that they would pay for me to go to school as long as I worked for that hospital, is that true?
I live in Middle Tennessee

Thank You For Your Answers

i am a nursing student. i go to school in new york. it is really a great career to get into, it is in high demand, it pays well, and it really gives you a good feeling knowing you are helping others.
online classes would not be a good choice because although there is a lot of reading involved you need experience in an actual hospital setting.
my classes are very cool
i have certain days where i am in a classroom for lecture and other days where i have clinical and i actually take care of patients in a hospital
there are so many different areas a nurse can work in and that is not something to think about now. as you get experience and really understand what nursing is about, you will know where you want to be.
working in a hospital will give you a feel for the setting itself but you wont be performing tasks that nurses do. but it is definitely good for networking. also some hospital programs may pay for you to go to college or earn your degree at their program. you should find out by searching online and calling.
good luck

You Can be anything from a home health aide to an LPN with courses at business schools in your area. But to be anything like a RN you need an A.S.A. associates degree. To get a job at a hospital is hard with no experience or credentials in the medical field--good luck with that one.

I started out as a certified medical assistant which is very similar to an LPN and worked for one year and now am going to school again this fall for my RN while I work Once you graduate your course you can choose different specialties which require different job skills.

GOOD LUCK! I hope you find what you are looking for I love it.

I'm looking to get into the same thing. Online classes are tricky, because they're not always found to be accredited. I suggest going to either a 2 yr or 4 year. As far as that job thing, ask your nearest hospitals. Not all of them have that kind of a program, but it does exist.
As for a step-by-step:
1. GET STARTED
2. contact the hospitals and ask if they have such programs
3. contact the colleges around and set up an appt with a counselor to speak w/them on what all you need - each one varies
3. make a decision on what you want to go with and go from there.
I put GET STARTED in caps because the longer you wait, the more "reasons" you find to not start - I'm 25 and I feel like I've waited too long to get started. It might all be intimidating, but after speaking with a counselor, it all becomes clearer. Also, write down all the questions that you've got so you cover everything you need to ask these different institutions. Good luck & see you in the field one day!