I made the wrong choice...

It's called networking. All of my jobs except for one have been via networking. Networking sucks. But get out and do it. In my town there are several large networking groups that have health care sub groups.

why? after studying to be A in class all the time, sacrificing my time over and over, getting in to stupid nursing loans, then what? no jobs! This is discrimination! to just apply over 100 places! but the ones that have family members and friends! get the hospital jobs! is this fair? after graduating which was almost 2 years ago... I had to take all that **** jobs for new grads! with low pays! and then still no one wants to hire you! IM TIRED. Tired of hearing "you need hands on experience", "you need this you need that! I almost begged to get hand on experience without getting paid but who cares!

How is this discrimination?

Although I graduated a long time ago, I also finished when there was a nursing surplus. Just the year before, hospitals held recruiting dinners to entice our graduates to sign up with them. My class - nothing. I could have sat back and bemoaned my fate, or do what I did, which was to become proactive. About six weeks before graduation I contacted every medical employer I could find in my area, sending blind letters and resumes. I expressed my willingness to take anything, any shift. The vast majority didn't respond.

Three weeks before graduation I was called for an interview for a hospital that was opening a new adult mental health and chemical dependency unit. This hospital had never offered mental health services before, so there were few internal applicants, and pretty much all of them only wanted day shift. I had a job offer in hand before I even took boards. This would not have happened had I done what most of my classmates did - wait until after everything was in place to start seeking jobs, and complain that there was nothing available. Some of them were still piecing together part-time positions a year after we graduated, and I held my full-time position for four years before moving on.

I had no connections at this place or anywhere else I applied.

Sometimes you have to make your own breaks, even if it means doing things that others tell you won't work. The networking idea is an excellent suggestion, because it offers you the opportunity to connect with an "insider" who may be of help.

I agree. I believe it depends on what part of the country you live. On the east coast, where I live new grads get jobs rather quickly especially in long term care. The wonderful thing about nursing is you can work anywhere in the country as long as you have a license in that state in good standing. I never had the luxury of knowing someone and getting a job it's the reverse for me;).

... A in class all the time... This is discrimination!

Not discrimination.

With your record, you'll definitely get hired soon. Keep at it.

Review your presentation skills and stay up.

Good luck and do let us know how things go!

With the nursing surplus you must always stay competitive.Like with any other job nursing is a competitive field. Have you consideredgetting certifications in PALS, ACLS etc. Maybe you should try volunteering.That is a great way to network and meet people in the field that you are tryingto get into. Show them that you are an asset even when not being paid and maybethey will hire you! You must put yourself out there just being the average candidatewon't cut it anymore.

Stay positive... if this is your dream... you will find a job

Thank you everyone for your tips! :) Im trying to work on my resume and add more certificates to make myself more marketable! thank youuu

Come to Louisiana! Esp the northern part...there are tons of jobs available.