New Grad, Licensed, Denver Colorado

Hi Everyone, thanks in advance for all everyone's input.

I got my Associates degree in Maryland, passed the NCLEX, and got licensed back in May 2006. Now I live in Denver, Colorado with Colorado licensure, but no job. I have been in touch with every major hospital in the Denver Metro area but no one wants to hire a new grad RN. What happened to the nursing shortage? Is that just for experienced nurses? Any advice on how to "get in" would be appreciated. I'm getting desperate and bored. :confused:

Is there a county or teaching hospital where you are? They almost always have preceptor programs for new grads. Most of all don't be picky about where you work in the hospital. If you are trying to get into a specialty it can be harder for a new grad to get a job! In any case a good med/surg background will be helpful in any specialty you might choose later!

Don't lose heart - there is a shortage of nurses and you will get a job - just keep applying.

I appreciate the feedback and the encouragement. Unfortunately, there are no county hospitals within a 3-hour drive. Moreover, there are two teaching hospitals, The Denver Children's Hospital, which is not accepting new grads, and The University of Colorado Hospital, which ONLY accepts nurses with BSNs. All other hospitals tell me to call them back after I have 6 months to a year experience. Very frustrating.

That's too bad. Is there any possibility of relocating? You could probably walk right into a job almost anywhere in California. I don't know what else to suggest? I have always been very fortunate when it came to getting jobs in nursing -

That's okay. I appreciate your thoughts and suggestions. Unfortunately, relocating is not possible because I just relocated from Maryland to Colorado. I'll just have to be persistant.