pre nursing school

As far as I know, yes. I was in nursing school back in 2005. Didn't pass one class, so I switched majors. I'm now going back. They ask if you have ever been in nursing school before. You have to provide a letter of good standing plus they have your transcripts, which will show the nursing classes you took. It's a big no no not to disclose this info.

Or am I totally missing the gist of this question?

I don't know if there is any way to check if you started a nursing program at another school. Honestly though, I would be truthful because the last thing you want is to be close to graduating and the truth comes out.

If you are using financial aid they will see what colleges you have attended and can require transcripts from those schools.

A lot of nursing schools are asking if anyone attended nursing programs before. Do they really check these applications?

Yes. Be sure to be completely up-front about anything requested on the application, as the last thing you really want is to be dismissed halfway through because of something on the application that YOU didn't think would be a problem but your school did.