New Grad needs help finding a job..any tips??

[ocgal]

Hi everyone,

I am from Southern California (Orange County area), however I went to nursing school at Creighton University in Omaha NE, I graduated in Dec 2010. I decided to go to Creighton because they offered a one year accelerated BSN program since and I already had a BS in Biology, this seemed like a logical decision for me. I loved Creighton University, great school and I precepted in the ICU at Creighton University Medical Center. I took my boards late May 2011 and passed. I currently have my CA RN license, and I have been looking since Dec 2010 for jobs and still no luck at all....I am starting to regret moving back to California after graduating because all my nursing school friends easily got jobs in Omaha, NE and I knew it would be harder in CA, but I didn't think it would be this hard.

I did well academically in nursing school and I have probably applied to over 50 positions already (probably even more). With all the applications I have submitted, I have only had 2 interviews, one went really well and the other one did not. I mean I am getting so desperate now, that I am thinking of reconsidering and moving out of California again. I even started applying to hospitals in Northern California, but no luck there either. I really wanted to stay in CA because all of my family is here, plus I could live at home for free and save money....please help!!!

So my question to you guys:

1. does anyone currenty work at any hospitals in the LA, OC or SD area, and if so, can you please post on here when or even if they will hire new grads?

2. Any suggestions on what nurse managers look for in new grads? Any insider tips for a resume?

3. Why is there such a stigma on new grads? I mean how are we supposed to get rid of our "new grad" tittle unless someone takes a chance and hires us.

4. Please can anyone just give any tips or any strategies or just any other advice that might help.

Thanks!