CONGRATULATIONS, OP! That's an awesome Christmas gift! I'm about to have my second interview with the unit manager some time this upcoming week! Quite nervous too. I'm also from out of state. However, I have heard that Swedish Hospital is well-regarded from a family friend of mine who lives in Seattle.
Valley Hospital in Ridgewood and Hackensack University Medical Center have nursing residencies! The Valley one is open right now! Check it out: Jobs at Valley Health System - Build Your Career in Healthcare In the "Area of Talent", click the "New Grad RN Residency" and then search! Apply!
You're not missing anything. It's very hard to find a job in this market, especially around NYC. It's super saturated. You're not underqualified! Don't give up! Seriously. HHC hospitals take a WHILE to get back to you on anything.