No new grad jobs now what?

Hi again from the Inland Empire New Grad. Thanks to all of you for your thoughts... I have no problem with prison nursing. I am searching for links, but CA govt budgets are being slashed and hiring freezes are everywhere in state, county, and city facilities. (Not to mention hiring freezes at hospitals) I thank jennyhyunh for her suggestion---I have already applied via the Internet at that facility. It seems like a terrific place to work for a new grad. I also called (politely, humbly, and not too frequently) and left messages with HR. I think the hospitals have just been innundated with applications from New Grads---they cannot possibly return every call. I realize they are also frustrated with their budget/hiring constraints, and I understand the financial costs of hiring/training a newbie. I also get the fact that many RNs are staying in the workplace longer or returning to the workplace...I am hoping things loosen up soon, but I am sooooo worried about my career being over before it starts. I don't even care what sort of salary I would make as a new nurse...pay me less until I have the experience (Yes, I know, unions would not allow that, but not all places are union). I just want to get out there!

Hi. Thanks for those suggestions. I would absolutely agree to just "be trained" and don't need a defined new grad program. I will try stating that in my next round of cover letters---I am planning on re-applying every couple of weeks...I did apply with Valley Health on Jan. 12. I am hopeful, but I heard they are being slammed with applications right now. I am not picky about where I would work as a new grad. A lot of my friends put down a bunch of facilities, and consider themselves too good to work here or there. I have way more humility. I am a baby nurse, and I will gladly pay my dues and be happy with a lower pay scale. I was in the workplace a lot of years (nursing is my second career) and I know no job is perfect in every way. I would also have no problems committing to a facility. I am just so frustrated---I had those two job offers in early December...its not like I am not a good candidate. Its just too late in the game. (Repeat of my saga: Had two offers, chose one, sadly declined the other, the one I chose was cut last week due to hospital cutbacks, and the other place will not touch me now---I guess I understand why). It stinks to check hospital websites and find 50 open RN positions, all requiring 1 year experience. I guess it is more cost-effective to pay their current staff a lot of OT rather than hire new grads begging for jobs. Again, I know hospital HR folks can only do what they are told, and I know they are frustrated too, I am NOT criticizing them at all!! They are being hit from all sides with money problems, and they certainly do not owe me or any other new grad a job. It is just so sad that I cannot do my job as a nurse. I am dying to get started! Hey, I wish you luck with your job hunt!!! Take care.