Is it appropriate to follow up with an email?

[Cdnbscn]

I recently applied to a community nursing position within my home town. After putting in my application I waited a week and a half and then followed up with HR to ensure they recieved it (it was an online application and I didn't receive a confirmation email or anything upon submission). When I called to follow up HR did the first stage "screening" interview on the phone and then said they would send that to the next appropriate person and applicants would only be contacted if they had successfully moved onto the next stage of the interviewing process. I've heard from people who work for this company that the second stage could take weeks. Is it inappropriate for me to email them reiterating my interest in the position after a certain amount of time since they said they would only contact successful applicants?

[pmabraham, BSN, RN]

Best case, show up dressed like for an interview, to check in as to where you stand; that way, you can, in person tell them you are interested. Then, a week later, follow up with a phone call. A week after that, an email. If you are uncomfortable with showing up in person (best case for a number of reasons), call on the phone and then the following week with an email.