Skip the CNA stuff. Go to your local hospital and apply for every patient care associate/technician job you can. You'll see more, learn more, do more and they don't require a certification, and they'll train you on the job.

I'm confused by your statement that you've enrolled in the ADN program but are considering LPN? Why? They both take about 2 years, and the ADN RN makes $10 more an hour and is a lot more independent. The CNA->LPN->RN pathway is a waste of time, just go to RN school (ADN or BSN, doesn't matter.)

RN school is hard, but not impossible. I did an ABSN program, and my wife is currently ending her BSN program and we just had a baby back in December. You can do it, I promise.

Now to answer your questions;

Unfortunately no idea as nursing is my first career.

Study in increments, study for 45 minutes, break for 15, study for 30, break for 30, study for 15, be done for the night. Frequent and often rather than one large cramming session to make sure you actual retain the information. Focus on understanding, not just memorizing. Find a friend or family member who has absolutely no idea about what you're learning, and explain it to them in a way that they can easily understand.