Are jobs available for new grads?

[eflr]

Hi,

I will be graduating from an associate degree program in May and I'm trying to get some sort of feel out there as to what the job situation is. I've heard from many different sources that some of the hospitals have hiring freezes - especially for new grads. Is this true? I would love to hear from anyone as to what they are seeing in terms of hiring in the hospitals that they work.

Also, I've already started applying to hospitals, but many say that there won't be new grad positions up until April - which seems to be so late for May grads. Is it best to go through HR or to somehow go to the departments that you want to work directly? It is such a frustrating and confusing process because HR is like a brick wall - they are never very responsive and they discourage you from following up throughout the process. Any advice would be appreciated.

Thank you!!

eflr