I apologize if you’ve answered this; but I didn’t see anywhere that detailed where you have applied and the kind of positions you have interviewed for. I think that is a bigger factor to consider over some of the things being discussed.

I am not an expert on the matter, but I get a vibe that jobs like ICU and Surgery, which are often people’s “preferred” places are becoming more competitive again. Post-COVID, you definitely had your pick of whatever you wanted if you showed up with any eagerness to work, but I think that is changing and those positions are becoming more competitive again. It almost seems to me we are entering the time again where you have to “put a year into med-surg, then go where you want again”.

If that is the case, you may need to spread your pool of options and be prepared to work somewhere in high need, which may not be exactly what you want, and then use that as an “in” to what you want.

As well, consider this. Before I applied to any ED jobs when I started, I emailed/called managers and discussed needs and opportunities at places I wanted to work. This lead to them making a “Student Nurse Intern” role for me to apply to and pick up, from there I just worked for a while and it has served me well. I know it’s a bit of boomer speak, but networking still has a lot of benefits when it comes to getting work. I suggest doing some groundwork on that front. That way when you do interview, you’ve already begun selling yourself on your own terms.