I just got hired by the VA govt hospital in Brooklyn, NY. i am a new grad no experience with a AAS degree. i have no special conections their. They are hiring new grads. it took a very long time after i applied to get an interview like 5 months and another 4 months to get a start date. the pay an benifits are excellent. and the plus is that after a while you can transfer to another state and have the same job if you would like.