Advice for finding first job as a New Grad!

[NightWatch]

I'm trying to find my first job as a new grad RN. I'm in Southern California and it's been quite challenging finding employment in my area. I'm the only college graduate of my family and I have never stepped foot out of my town/know anyone apart from here. I've been looking at out of state jobs and I am feeling overwhelmed with knots in my stomach. I'm the kind of person who likes familiarity so it's been stressful researching all these different hospitals, looking at all these potential new states, and feeling like I'm alone during this process.

For those who landed a new grad position and/or had to do extensive relocation, how was your experience? What qualities did you look for in your facility? Any advice for a up and comer like meeee?

Thank you in advance!

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

You may want to check out the First Job Hunt Assistance forum as there are likely to be threads with a lot of advice already posted. Other than that, one thing I tell new grads (and those who haven't yet graduated) that is essential in getting that first job is networking. Making connections can help you get a job faster because sometimes it's more about who you know than what you know, and having someone on the inside will set you apart from all those other new grads applying for the same positions. Join professional organizations, attend meetings, etc.