Grade Forgiveness?

Hello all! Many years ago I made a few mistakes. I went to community college and lost interest because I found a job in a hospital so I walked out.
I have always wanted to become a nurse but never knew where to begin, Now i am 30 and would love to go back to school. I spoke to an adviser at a CC here in lower Manhattan NY but she said that I need to find a school that has grade forgiveness because of my history. It’s rather unfortunate because I live a walking distance to that school. Can anyone help? thank you