Standing out for nurse residency position

I've been out of nursing school for 2 1/2 years. I've worked in telemetry and ER. My passion is L&D or even mother baby. I love educating new moms and families. Encouraging them, etc. I just applied for a nurse residency at a hospital that would be a few months of education in the class room setting and on the floor, then would start an 18 month contract to work on that floor. It didn't have me specify what area I want to train in, but am hoping that I would get into L&D/mother baby.

How do I stand out from the crowd? I was thinking of calling HR to talk to someone, but not sure what to say. "Hi, um, I applied for the residency and really want it." lame Any other tips or ideas to get my foot in the door?

I've looked into getting some extra licensing (I have ACLS already). But, can't really afford the classes right now.