Nursing Education and Careers/Serious Answers Only Please?

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

Certain hospitals will pay for you. Some require that you have been there for atleast 1yr first. Some nursing homes will do it too. I got mine paid for by a federal program called WIA (workforce investment act). The only requirement was to take 2 tests, work in the field that you are pursuing ( like be a housekeeper or dietary aide in a hospital/nursing home or something. You would just have to work in a medical facility). And you have to check in twice a month. They cover tuition and everything, books, uniforms and supplies, plus they gave me $80 in gas cards every month. You don't owe them anything back! It worked out great! look into this link to find out how it works in you're state (I'm in FL) http://www.state.tn.us/thec/2004web/divi...
To get started in nursing you have to do a year or so of pre-reqs. If I were you, I'd go the community college route. You'll need financial aid or something b/c WIA will only cover the job training part. You can take a lot of the pre-reqs on-line, and you should too, it's easier. As soon as all those are done you can get the WIA and start the nursing program. You will find out what kind of nursing is right for you when you get in school and start going through your clinical rotations. You will do all types of nursing in school. Another way you could do it is the way I had to do it b/c I couldn't afford to go to school for 3yrs without making any kind of money. I got my LPN first, which WIA paid for. Since I was in school all year and didn't work like I used to, I got financial aid and pell grant for my year of pre-reqs. The year after that, for the RN program, WIA paid for again. You could always get your CNA first to see if all this is really worth it. WIA might pay for that too. I was a CNA for 12years before I finally figured out how to pay for it. Sometimes you just have to jump in and see what happens. I had 12yrs of excuses. Don't do that to yourself, the time really sneaks up on you fast. If you have any questions, email me. I'd be glad to help you.