I am a perspective nursing student but I was wondering, if you are not arrested for something but pay a fine to clear it up, that is still a conviction right?

Yes.

And you must disclose it when you apply for nursing school, for licensure, and for employment in a nursing facility.

I went through this many years ago when I was young and foolish---was charged with several misdemeanors and paid a fine. Years later, I have a clean record because they eventually drop off, but I've always disclosed because it's far better to be up-front than it is to try to hide it and THEN try to explain it.

And...if you need further info, you would be best served to contact your Board of Nursing.