In some areas of the country, there is indeed a nursing shortage. In other areas, though, there is a saturation of nurses. Much of this is due to hiring freezes from the poor economy. Hospitals are hurting financially too, so they are getting by with less nurses. This means higher patient ratios, poor working conditions, and less nursing jobs, especially for new grads. Many new grads are being forced to relocate or to commute further than they'd like, or to work part-time or in specialties that they may not have previously considered. Unfortunately, in a tight economy, the competition for jobs is fierce. What area of the country do you live in? Some hospitals are still offering new graduate "intern" or orientation programs, such as nurse residencies. These types of programs would allow you to get your foot in the door at a hospital.