GN job search: go safe or go far?

[Pisces RN]

Hi,

I'm graduating in May with my RN, and now am searching for jobs. I currently work at a hospital in Lancaster, PA, and have a good chance of getting a job at my current hospital. I'm not sure to play it safe and stay on my current unit (Med/Surg) with a brand new manager, who is a good person but lacks experience in leadership--which I want as a GN to RN.

Or, should I risk my "safety" net and search other hospitals for a higher salary, the experience I would like (a step down unit, IICU, etc)? I also have a young daughter and husband to include in the picture.

I know that it could be risky to go elsewhere to a hospital I don't know, and the commute (to Philly it's an hour 20 min without traffic) would also add expense and work time to my week.

Any thoughts from experienced RN's and new grads on what other aspects I should consider.

I have also found it very difficult to research hourly rates at hospitals! Any suggestions how to find that information out?

Thanks in advance...

[hiddencatRN, BSN, RN]

It's not easy to get a job in Philly right now as a new grad, but my classmates who were searching out your way tended to get jobs sooner. I would apply to a wide variety of jobs with the understanding that you're not deciding between anything until you actually get a job offer.