Hello everyone! I'm a new grad (May 2013) with my BSN and have been searching for my first RN position for quite some time now. While I know I can't be too picky with the way the economy is right now, my main focus is the NICU. I was a patient in the NICU and heard my parents tell me all kinds of stories about the nurses, and I want to be able to give back the same support to others. The NICU is the reason I went to nursing school. I'm very thankful to have gotten my senior practicum in a NICU. I'm willing to move ANYWHERE to get a job.
I've filled out hundreds of applications (mixture of new grad and experienced positions) from Washington state to Maine, and everywhere in between. I've had one interview in which they ended up going with someone who is experienced. Other than that, I've either heard nothing at all or have gotten rejection emails. I've tried emailing and calling a few managers, etc in an attempt to be proactive, and have gotten the same results.
Is there anything you all can think of that would help increase my chances of standing out? Would things like NRP and becoming a Neonatal Nurses Association member be somewhere to start? Thanks in advance for any advice you can provide!!