In 1896, Mahoney became one of the original members of a predominantly white Nurses Associated Alumnae of the United States and Canada (NAAUSC), which later became the American Nurses Association (ANA). Here, Mary Eliza Mahoney finished her career, helping people and using her knowledge however she knew best. This institution was run by African Americans. The Howard Orphan Asylum served as a home for freed colored children and the colored elderly.

She believed that all people should have the opportunity to chase their dreams without racial discrimination.įrom 1911 to 1912 Mahoney served as director of the Howard Orphan Asylum for black children in Kings Park, Long Island, New York. Mahoney didn't understand racial discrimination in a workforce such as Nursing. Being an African American, in a predominantly white society, she often received discrimination as an African American nurse. Mahoney wanted to abolish any discrimination in the nursing field. One of many goals that Mahoney had hoped of achieving, was to change the way patients and families thought of minority nurses. As Mahoney's reputation quickly spread, Mahoney received private-duty nursing requests from patients in states in the north and south east coast. However, Mahoney remained very humble as she only ate her meals with the household staff she worked with.

Some of the wealthy families insisted that she sit and eat dinner with the family. Mahoney was known for her skills and preparedness. Mahoney's professionalism helped raise the status and standards of all nurses, especially minorities. Families who employed Mahoney praised her efficiency in her nursing profession. She worked for predominantly white, wealthy families. CareerĪfter gaining her nursing diploma, Mahoney worked for many years as a private care nurse, earning a distinguished reputation. After completing these requirements, Mahoney graduated in 1879 as a registered nurse - the first black woman to do so in the United States. She was also required to attend lectures and educate herself by instruction of doctors in the ward, and to work for several months as a private-duty nurse. Mahoney's training required she spend at least one year in the hospital's various wards to gain universal nursing knowledge.

Mary eliza mahoney grave