Mary Eliza Mahoney was born on May 7, 1845 in Dorchester Massachusetts. His parents were freed slaves originally from North Carolina, who moved before the Civil War broke out to avoid racial discrimination. She was the eldest of four siblings with one brother who died. Mahoney was enrolled in the Phillips School at age 10, one of Boston's first integrated schools. He attended first through fourth grade. The Phillips school was known for teaching the value of morality and basic subjects such as English, history and more. School was actually part of what influenced Mahoney to become a nurse. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Mahoney knew she wanted to be a nurse. She was admitted to a 16-month program at the New England Hospital for Women and Children at age 33 along with 39 others. The NEHWC was the first institution to offer a program allowing women to work in the healthcare industry. The aim of the program was to choose 40 women between the ages of 21 and 31 who had a good reputation in terms of character and deposition. Although Mary did not meet the age criteria, her connections to the hospital from previous work as a cook, waitress and laundress when she was 18, got her accepted. Mahoney worked nearly 16 hours a day for the 15 years she worked as a factory worker. Mahoney's training required that she spend at least a year in one of the hospital's departments to gain nursing knowledge. She worked the 5.30am to 9.30pm shift, which required her to attend lectures and lectures to educate herself through doctors' instructions. Additionally, Mahoney worked as a private nurse for several months. The nursing program allowed students to earn a weekly wage, ranging from $1 to $4, after the first two weeks of work. Three-quarters of the program required nurses to work within a surgical, maternity or medical ward with six patients. they were responsible for the care. The final two months of the extensive 16-month program required nurses to use their new knowledge and skills in environments they were not accustomed to; such as hospitals or private family homes. After completing these requirements, Mahoney graduated in 1879 as a registered nurse along with 3 other colleagues – the first black woman to do so in the United States. In retirement, Mahoney was still concerned about women's equality and was a strong supporter of women's suffrage. He actively participated in the promotion of civil rights in the United States. In 1920, after women's suffrage was achieved in the United States, Mahoney was among the first women in Boston to register to vote. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper now from our expert writers. Get a Custom Essay In 1923, Mahoney was diagnosed with breast cancer and battled the disease for 3 years until her death on January 4, 1926, at the age of 80. His grave is located in Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett, Massachusetts. In recognition of her outstanding example for nurses of all races, the NACGN established the Mary Mahoney Award in 1936. When the NACGN merged with the American Nurses Association in 1951, the award was retained. Today, the Mary Mahoney Award is presented biannually by the ANA in recognition of significant contributions in promoting equal opportunity in nursing for members of minority groups. Mahoney was inducted into the ANA Hall of Fame in 1976. She was inducted into the National Women's Hall of, 76(2), 233-257.