I have also been applying since last year for NICU and L&D... even got my NRP cert... I honestly don't know why they may have disqualified me, I did clinicals there twice.
And regarding the...
I got an email saying I was placed in Band 6 and applied for NICU and L&D, haven't gotten a call...
I know a few in band 6 that applied for ICU and ED got called on 1/16 for an interview next...