Mary Eliza Mahoney was born on May 7, 1845 in Dorchester, Massachusetts. His parents were freed slaves from North Carolina who moved before the Civil War to avoid racial discrimination. She was the eldest of four siblings, one of whom died. Mahoney was enrolled at the Phillips School at age 10, one of Boston's first integrated schools. She attended first through fourth grade. The Phillips School was known for teaching the value of morality and core subjects such as English, history and much more. School was actually part of what inspired Mahoney to become a nurse. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Mahoney knew she wanted to become a nurse. She was admitted to a 16-month program at the New England Hospital for Women and Children at the age of 33 with 39 others. NEHWC was the first institution to offer a program for women to work in the health sector. The goal of the program was to choose 40 women aged 21 to 31 with good reputations in terms of character and testimony. Although Mary did not meet the age criteria, her connections to the hospital due to her previous work as a cook, housekeeper and laundress when she was 18, they accepted her. Mahoney worked nearly 16 hours a day during the 15 years she worked as a laborer. Mahoney's training required that she spend at least a year in one of the hospital's departments to gain knowledge of nursing. She worked from 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., which required her to attend lectures and lessons in order to train under the instructions of doctors. Additionally, Mahoney worked for several months as a private nurse. The nursing program allowed students to earn a weekly salary ranging from $1 to $4 after their first two weeks of work. Three-quarters of the program consisted of nurses working in a surgical, maternity or medical ward with six patients they were responsible for caring for. The final two months of the extensive 16-month program required nurses to use their new knowledge and skills in environments to which they were not accustomed; such as hospitals or private family homes. After completing these requirements, Mahoney earned her nursing degree in 1879 alongside 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 a strong supporter of women's suffrage. She actively participated in the advancement of civil rights in the United States. In 1920, after women gained the right to vote in the United States, Mahoney was among the first women in Boston to register to vote. Keep in mind: This is just a sample.Get a custom essay now from our expert writers.Get a custom essayIn 1923, Mahoney was diagnosed with breast cancer and battled the illness for 3 years until 'upon his 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 to nurses of all races, NACGN established the Mary Mahoney Award in 1936. When NACGN merged with the American Nurses Association in 1951, the award was continued. Today, the Mary Mahoney Award is presented biennially by the ANA in recognition of significant contributions to the advancement of equal opportunity in nursing, 76(2), 233-257.