They take all kinds. I've worked in the ICU for 7 years and just recently was accepted. My experience paid off. (Was offered a position 15 minutes into a 1 hour interview.) However the norm now is for young nurses to get their BSN, work in a CV ICU for 1.5 years, get their CCRN and apply. It's probably 90% of who the selection committee sees. Make yourself standout, and know that you have met the requirements for acceptance to a program.