Mary Eliza Mahoney

This month, UHP will be highlighting African American nursing pioneers who paved the way for many. Nursing carries with it an expectation that one cares for others with a great deal of compassion, support, and quality care. In addition to those “minimum requirements”, many nursing pioneers, particularly those of color, made significant contributions to the profession, and forged a new path for many.

Mary Eliza Mahoney (1845-1926) is recognized as the first African American to graduate from a nursing program and earn a professional nursing license. She completed a the rigorous 16-month program offered by the New England Hospital for Women and Children Training School for Nurses in Boston, Mass. Not only was she one of the 42 students granted admission, but she one of only three who actually completed the program. She was a private-duty nurse known for her kind demeanor and professionalism.

In addition to her practice as a nurse, she was an early member of the American Nurses Association and later co-founded the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses (NACGN), along with Adah B. Thoms. Her advocacy for equality in nursing education was essential in helping students who would later follow in her footsteps to join the most noble profession.

Mary Mahoney is one of many African American women who have helped improve the nursing profession and set the tone for equality and inclusivity. We thank her for her service and paving the way for so many!

Source: African-American nurses who paved the way. (2018, November 09). Retrieved February 03, 2021, from https://nursing.jnj.com/advancing-culturally-competent-care/african-american-nurses-who-paved-the-way