I graduated in may of last year and I passed my NCLEX in June. Ever since then I have been looking high and low for a job but I have had no luck. A lot of the jobs I see posted require a minimum of one year of experience. I am licensed in NY but I am willing to move if I am offered a position. I have applied to jobs in several different states but like most new grads I am having trouble getting a job.  Does anyone have any advice or know of any hospitals or citys that may be looking to hire new graduates?

You can always get free CEU's off the internet. What area do you want to work in? The hospital is not the only place for nurses to get hired or even volunteering. Have you all checked out local clinics? Most areas have a "free" clinic, and they are always looking for volunteers. My advice is to "get out there", and make yourself known in the community. I mean, what about contacting the local area clinic and see if you can arrange a "free blood pressure day" maybe at Walmart, and work in tandem with the clinic.

You have to look and think outside the box. Do now allow yourself to get boxed into the mindset of lack.Just because you can't even interview to volunteer at the hospital doesn't mean there aren't plenty of other places to look. You never know WHO you will meet. You may meet (and be unaware) the president of a clinic, and they like your work ethic...

Positive energy attracts. Negative energy repels... I am not saying you all have negative energy. I'm just saying get pumped up with positive, and see where it takes you.

I once read of someone who sent hundreds of resumes out over more than two years, and finally landed a job.  She said that one has to be persistent.  After a certain period of time, she would revisit those employers that previously turned her away in the hopes that circumstances had changed.  Keep at it is the only advice I would give.  If you stop trying, no employer will find you.

NursingLink has tons of great career advice for new grads or even seasoned nurses. Just wanted to share the link in case you need to brush up on your interview skills:

http://nursinglink.monster.com/benefits/articles/list

 Hello all,

When I first got licensed, I applied to EVERYTHING!!! Its a numbers game(as my husband always says) You fill out 100 apps, 5 will respond to you with a question, out of those 5 you might get interviews with 3....I also got numerous certificates as proof I had extended knowledge. The first job I did get wasn't the greatest pay and it wasnt what I applies for. I was sitting at a desk for a home health company doing there intake and sending nurses to clients homes. BUT, I stuck it out for a few months and learned some things and continued to apply. Now I work for 3 nursing agencies. Two for hospitals and one for home health hospice. Another quote of my husbands, "It's always easier to find a job when you have a job".