Expunged misdemeanor in 2008 but am unsure if I can become a registered nurse?

i got a misdemeanor in 2005 for something stupid but it was expunged from my record in September 2008. After getting arrested for this misdemeanor, i changed my life around - went go grad school and got a Masters degree!! I now want to attend nursing school but after looking up the California Board of Nursing website, it states that people with convictions may not be able to get licensed. So I am unsure if I should even put myself thru the grind of school again because may be turned down. I have never ever been in trouble with the law, except that one time for which I have really beat myself up for. Does anyone know if someone became a nurse after getting any criminal convictions? I tried to call the board but they did not give me any answers. I even told them I can send them the paperwork of my expungement and have them do all background checks on me BEFORE i apply to nursing school but alas, to no avail. Can someone please please guide me as to whether I should bother to apply to become an RN? Thank you very much!