Do New Grads Have To Be Hired Vs. Staff Nurse I?

Can anyone give me any feedback about getting a job as a staff nurse I?
Most jobs are posting as manadatory to have at least 1year of RN experience. But the new grad programs are full for the summer and fall, and none are offered from Kaiser until January 2009. I have tried other facilities, but the gas and commute is not feesible for me to commute to Palo alto or even San Jose.
I saw a post previously about someone saying that one can be hired as a staff nurse I and come on board as a new grad, but not attending a large class with other new grads. So, I am wondering if it is true, can we apply for jobs staff nurse I being a new grad. Or are we just out of luck for the rest of the year?
I appreciate the feedback!