new grad volunteering at hospital

[Sandra2015]

I am a new graduate nurse waiting to take my nclex (I just got my ATT and the next available date is October!)

In my last semester of nursing school, I completed my senior preceptorship on a unit I really love. My preceptor suggested I come back to volunteer and stay in touch and the unit manager seemed pleased about the idea. I've been volunteering on that unit for many weeks now and really want to apply there when I'm licensed, but I don't want to solely depend on this opportunity and not apply elsewhere. Plus, the unit manager just told me we'd talk again once i'm licensed, but I don't want assume that it's a secure thing.

However, I feel bad if I apply elsewhere; I know it's not easy coming by a new grad nursing job, but I imagine getting an offer and then having to tell the unit manager ---on the floor where i've invested a lot of time-- that I found something else. I'd feel like I'm betraying my preceptor too because he's really rooting for me to get a job on that unit.

It's not wrong to apply elsewhere, right--- than why do i feel guilty?!

[~Shrek~]

The whole process between filling job applications and getting an offer can take several months. By the time you have a job offer elsewhere, it is likely that you will know where you stand with the place you are volunteering and whether or not you have a position.