I'm getting very discouraged...

Personally, I think it's important to work somewhere you enjoy. An area you enjoy, with people you enjoy.

Sometimes you may have to explore new areas to find that. I think most people end up working places where they don't know anyone before they start. You can still get a feel for the floor and for the people and see if it's a good fit for you.

My advice would be to take your time, interview in lots of areas that you are interested in, and you will find the right place for you. You learn alot about the floor during your interview. I also recommend going to the floor in regular clothes (not scrubs, etc) and walking around. Watch the people and their interactions. Are they friendly to each other, helping each other? Do they appear to be professional and fairly happy to be at work? How long does it take someone to ask you if you need help?

Finally, I would ask to spend 4 hours shadowing at each place you are really interested in. Ask to shadow from 0700-1100 for example. See how you get treated when you arrive, what the work flow seems like, how friendly people are. Ask people how they enjoy working there, ask to speak to someone else who started as a new grad.

Good luck!

Do any hospitals in your area offer an intern program? I'm just finishing an intern program and was able to work in 3 different units. It's nice to see the dynamics of the different units.

You honestly are not going to know how it feels to work somewhere until you actually DO it. Even during interviews, 9 times out of 10 there will be something "left out" about that particular floor or unit. For example, my manager never mentioned that we hardly ever have a nurses aide on night shift, but I also didn't ask so it wasn't a flat out lie on her part. Now, do I want to quit because there's no aide? NO!! I love my job and the people I work with and guess what? I moved here from another CITY after I graduated, I didn't know a soul at any hospital around here, nor could I get an insider's point of view from anyone. I really lucked out and got hired on a fantastic unit with awesome nurses. I feel blessed that I have them each and every day I work.

My point is, apply everywhere, say a prayer and let God or your Higher Power or fate (whatever you believe in) intervene. If you truely don't know where to go, at this point you can't go wrong. And if you really don't like one place you can always go somewhere else. Trust me, it was a huge fear of mine not being able to get a job but it happened for me and I know it can happen for you!

I believe that if you really know you can't stand a particular specialty then hold off on applying to those as a last resort. I'm sure there is something out there that's just right for you!