I am a new grad that started off in a post partum unit at a small community hospital (not a teaching hospital). I live in a state where it is very hard to get a job right now if you are a new nurse....
I was started out at 25.26 an hour at Community Medical Center Toms River. There is a $5 shift diff that is the whole 12 hour shift. Jersey Shore starts you out at 25.27/
This surplus can't last for ever. There is a pretty sizable population of "baby boomers" that will soon be retiring (of the economy allows for it). Just have to be patient. I graduated in the Spring...