No hiring freezes here. In fact we are now on mandatory overtime, and they have at least two new grads on orientation right now. I think there are some positions open right now too. I took NRP and just finished ACLS.
I was hired about a year ago as a new grad right into L&D/Postpartum. My orientation was 16 weeks. Another girl I graduated with also got an L&D job straight out of nursing school. If you are willing to relocate there are a few jobs out there...