Youngster

Also,I already know the typical contact each prospective school to find out exactly what would make me more eligible. I'm interested in info that becomes more aware to a srna as they progress through admissions and school itself

I don't think your age will be a factor, but more your experience. You will be competing with people with years and years of strong ICU experience, and they will subsequently be older. When I was 25, I had already been an ICU nurse for 4 years. (yes, I graduated nursing school at 21). Also, do your best going forward in school because I don't think school will factor in your GPA from a technical school. So you really have the chance to present a great GPA.

Good Luck!

I don't think your age will be much of a factor at all. I think maturity level is more important than age, and the fact that you know what you want to do, and are willing to do what is required to accomplish it suggests maturity. As far as years of ICU experience is concerned, I wouldn't worry about not having enough experience if I were you. That is, unless the ICU where you plan to work is tiny and will only offer you a very limited clinical experience. But, if it is an average ICU where you will be learning to provide care for a variety of VERY sick patients then your amount of experience should be just fine. The previous comment made is true...you WILL be competing for admission with others who have TONS more experience than you. But, that doesn't matter because those who have done critical care know that you learn the most in the first few years. I only had just shy of 2 years ICU experience when I got accepted, and that wasn't even at a Level 1 Trauma Center (which some will argue is absolutely necessary). The admissions committees are very good at determining if you know your stuff (regardless of how many years of experience you have). Lets face it, we have all worked with nurses who have 20-30 years of experience and still don't know their stuff all that well. So, work hard, get good grades, and don't worry about being too young or not having enough experience. If you work hard and know your stuff, you will have no problem getting accepted somewhere. Good luck!

I think it really depends on the school- I have a well rounded resume with 12 years experience and a biology degree but didn't get accepted to one of the schools I applied to and honestly believe it's because I had 'too much' experience. Some schools like newer nurses, so I would look for those and apply. Good luck!