Hi Cynthia!
From what I have read, it seems very difficult for newbies to obtain positions. I have been very fortunuate. I knew someone who worked for a three-doctor general surgery practice, and when she found out that I passed the exam, she recommended me to her office manager. I truly believe it is who you know. Networking seems to play a big part in obtaining a position. How about your local hospital? Are they currently hiring? At my local hospital in Pennsylvania, they do offer jobs for newbies and are willing to train them. You might want to check that out. Also, I have read on the boards that even working in the billing department or being a receptionist, just to get your foot in the door would help. How about your local chapter? Maybe once you start going to the meetings and meeting other coders, there might be positions that they know of that are hiring.
I wish you the best of luck in obtaining a position in coding. Keep trying, I am sure something will come up for you.