HELP! New Grad Desperate for that 1st Job

I passed my boards back in November 2010 (it's been 2 months going on 3) and have been applying for nursing jobs left and right. I've only had one interview, in which I came really close to being hired, but got rejected due to someone who had prior LVN experience. As of right now, I am a new grad RN, BSN, PHN still working in retail. All of my coworkers and customers are surprised that I am still working there and NOT working as a nurse yet--it's been really embarrassing hearing people tell me, "You're STILL here????" Anyway, I live in SoCal and was wondering if there are other places I can start looking into because it seems as though new grad programs won't start up again until the end of this year. In the meantime, can I work elsewhere to gain my "one year of experience" that is so often required at nearly every hospital I TRY to apply to? So far, I have either been rejected or tried applying to the following hospitals (some who clearly do not welcome new grads to apply) with no luck:

• Presbyterian Intercommunity
• Citrus Valley Health Partners
• Huntington Memorial
• City of Hope
• Arcadia Methodist
• Monrovia Memorial
• Glendale Adventist
• USC
• East Valley Medical Center
• Pomona Valley
• Casa Colina
• Metropolitan State
• LA County RN1
• Kaiser Permanente
• DaVita (dialysis centers)

Where else can I apply to? Moving isn't an option; I have too many obligations here that would keep me from being able to move...I've spent THOUSANDS of dollars, my time, blood, sweat, and tears for this nursing degree (and I know I'm not the only one) and it is so disappointing that many new grads are being forgotten and left out in the cold with NO JOB!!!! Please help. I would appreciate any advice.


If you find a hot spot, let me know, send me a message [email protected] I will go anywhere to get a first time hospital job. I am new grad also, ASN RN. I have Indiana, florida, Michigan Licensure.
I am not sure what kind of units you are looking into, but usually new grads end up on general med/surg units. Its a good place to get your year's experience, mold yourself into the type of nurse you are and to practice all your new skills. I suggest applying to positions even if they say "one year's experience required". If the posting has been sitting unfilled for 6 months or whatever, they may be willing to take on a new grad to fill the position.I never have had a problem getting a job... but that was 6 years ago.... Good luck
After 2 months of bad luck with the job hunt I decided I would call the units personally and ask to speak with the nurse manager. It worked out for me and I landed a job in the Surgical ICU!!! right out of school. So I suggest you do that, you never know. Besides, the worst that can happen is the manager can say no...ok well it would not be the first no you've ever gotten. Good Luck