Nursing School with an expunged record

[GNodoubtfan, LPN]

This is my first semester in the pre-program for nursing. I am currently attending college in Wisconsin. Here is my inquiry: I knew that when I entered the program, that a background check would be done and ultimately, a battery charge that I had expunged 15 years ago would come up. I was honest about it, gave the facts of the situation and the information was put in my student file. My predicament now is, I was not originally charged with that. I was originally charged with Child Abuse- Intentional Bodily Harm because I was in a fight with my sister who a the time was 15 and I was 17. It was dropped down to battery and because I had never been in trouble before and haven't since, (not even a speeding ticket) it was expunged. The school informed me that even being charged with that could hinder my ability to get into school. Is there anything I can do to convince the DON to let me in? I have gathered over 30 letters of recommendation from people showing that I would make a great nurse and as of right now, am getting a 4.0. Any thoughts?

[edmia, BSN, RN]

I'm a little confused: doesn't expunged mean it does not show up on a background check?

In any case, I'm sorry you're in this situation. I have no practical advice except to say -- get ready for lots of hoops. Nursing is very strict when it comes to character and the profession is not very enlightened in this arena. If you're not perfect it is hard to become a nurse. And I'm not condoning this practice, just giving you a heads up about the culture of nursing.

Good luck.