California New Grad. Jobless. HELP!

[lovepink02]

Hi everyone! I'm a new graduate nurse from California. I graduated with my second bachelors degree in May and passed the NCLEX in July. Since graduation I have been applying all over California hospitals, but have had no luck with a new job or even an interview. I've had several people look at my resume and cover letter. I have even been practicing interview questions with nursing friends of mine in case I ever do get called. I have also taken courses and became certified in 12 lead EKG, ACLS, NRP, and PALS. Given the competitive job market for new grads I haven't had a chance.

I've been giving it a lot of thought and am now considering looking into neighboring states. I know that I will have to get a license for the states that I could potentially work in. Money is really tight for me right now. My question is: should I apply to other states with my California license first and if given a chance to work in a potential hospital then apply for my license there? Or should I apply for my license in the state I'm looking into first before I start applying?

Also, I did volunteer for a little over a year before getting into nursing school. Should I volunteer at a local hospital again? Will that make me standout more? Or should I take more certification classes? What will help to make me standout?

Is there any advice that anyone could give me for the current position I am in right now? I'm not really sure what to do at this point. I've talked it out with friends and family members, but I would love to get some advice from fellow nurses out there. I feel like I'm in limbo right now because I don't know where my future will lead to. Given this is my second bachelors (I worked for 2 years before getting into nursing school) I am really eager and excited to start my life and my career. I am trying to stay positive and optimistic. Any advice would be helpful! Thank you. :)