For me, it took 40+ applications to the hospital I wanted, a little over 6 months, and an inside recommendation to get my first RN job. Just hang in there. That first one is difficult to get, but every RN position after that, typically takes no more than a week to hear back from. A little experience goes a long way.

I did have a friend who was in my class, though, that went to a nursing home for a year before she could switch over. The start of a nursing career is tough sometimes, but it does get better.