Finding a peds job as a new graduate

I'm a new grad as of Dec 2008. I really want to work in peds but the pickings are slim in the LA/Orange County area. I interviewed at CHOC for a CVICU RN Residency position, but I was competing with 99 other people for 2 spots, so yeah, it's tough out there.

Are they trying to get more male nurses into pediatric nursing?

It looks like I'm going to have to take a job at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Long Beach. It's a government job, great benefits, set for life kind of job, but no possibility of getting into pediatrics with the VA.

How hard is it to transfer from Adult to Pediatric nursing? Will I have to compete with new grads with zero experience on the same level if I have 2+ years experience of adult med-surg/icu?

I have years to go before I get my license but I know that when I do I want to be in pedi or l&d so if I have to move I'm prepared to move.