What can I do to help myself get hired?

(xposted)

Good morning,

I hope you don't mind me posting here. I am student in the nursing program working on my prerequisites and should start clinicals next year. Due to personal experiences, I truly feel called to a career in pediatric nursing, specifically the PICU or oncology. I am hoping upon graduation to work for our local Children's Hospital and I'm trying to do things now that will help me in the long run. I have put in an application to volunteer there and will do so once a week if I'm approved. I check their website daily to see if there are any entry level positions. I am hoping to get some input if there is anything else I can do... extra classes, certifications, etc. that will give me an edge. I was thinking of contacting the nurse recruiter now to see what they recommend but I'm not sure if that's appropriate. I have family that does work there but on the administrative side so I'm not sure that connection would be of help. I also have a client (I'm a massage therapist) that is a nurse at the hospital. I'm thinking of picking her brain but I don't want to overstep my relationship with her, KWIM?

So, I would really appreciate any guidance or advice you can give.

Thanks so much!!!