Job Search Etiquette? Help me?

Hello, I'm a new LPN looking for a job, and wonder if looking for a nursing job has different rules than the jobs I've had before. (I've had only one job as a nurse, it turned out to be a scarily dangerous place to work. Hard on my conscience, hard on my heart, too much stress for a new grad. I freaked and got out during my 90 day evaluation of the place.)

Before becoming a "professional", I just walked in to a place and asked for an application.
Now, is that rude to just walk into... a dialysis center, a clinic or anywhere, and ask for an application?

There are a few places I want to apply that I can't imagine having an HR dept. like a small community clinic or the dialysis center.....so do walk up to the window and say "I'd like to apply for a job." ?

I had a great education where I went to school, but not much in the way of job searching, so I want to find a job ,but don't want to look like an idiot doing it.

Anywhere that I could apply online, I have applied. I have searched the paper, and only temp agencies are listed. The places I've applied to online, haven't heard a thing from them. I thought nurses were in high demand? Hmph!

So....can I just walk into a place, cold, and ask if they are hiring for nurses? Or does that make me look dumb?

Please help me on this one, I want to work even part time right now and don't want to blow my chances at places just because I didn't know how to go about landing an interview. Thank you!