Essay Sample on Mary Eliza Mahoney: Nursing Pioneer, First Black Nurse in Profession

Introduction

Nursing plays a vital role in our society in ensuring lives are saved, and human suffering curbed. More magnificent history exists with key and influential nurses being at the centre of the development of the nursing profession. In this study, the focus will be on Mary Eliza Mahoney contribution in the nursing history and how her work shaped the practices carried down from one generation to another. She was the first black nurse in the profession, and she lived between 1845 and 1926. She is known for the contribution she made to the national and local professional organization and due to her outstanding career. She influenced people by her calm nature, quietness, untiring compassion and her efficiency in the works she carried out. Mahoney graduated from the New England Hospital that takes care of children and women, in the year 1879.

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The Major Social Issues During the Time Mahoney Lived

During the period Mahoney lived, William McKinley, who was the 25th president of the United States, was short assassinated. Upon the death of President McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt replaced him and became the 26th president of the US on 14th September 1901. In the year 1912, the Titanic started to sail, and it was described as a luxurious floating-place, and many people believed it was unsinkable. The ship then sunk just after being in the ocean for five days. At the time she lived, an influenza epidemic emerged in the Fort Riley, and it was one of the worst as it eventually led to the death of over half a million US citizens and over twenty million people all over the world.

Contributions Made by Mary Mahoney to Nursing

Mary contributed immensely to the nursing profession. She was the co-founder of the National Association of the Colored Graduate Nurses, popularly known as the NACGN, and this was established in 1908. The aim of the organization was to fight and discourage the racial discrimination that was deeply rooted in the profession and to encourage equal opportunities for all. The organization also aimed at integrating African Americans slowly into nursing schools and other organizations (Davis, 1991). In the year 1951, there was a merger between the organization and the American Nurses Association to further champion for equal opportunities.

Mary Mahoney was also a member of the Alumnae Associated with the white Nurses. She then retired after 40 years of service but still played a vital role in society by championing for women's equality. She was among the women who registered first to cast their votes in Boston. To recognize her achievement, NACGN established an award (Mary Mahoney Award) during the year 1936, and this is still being given out today in honouring and encouraging the outstanding nurses.

How the Contributions Influences the Current Nursing

The NACGN that was founded by Mary was crucial in paving the way for all nurses from all colours and varying races to be accorded equal treatment. She worked hard to ensure that African American nurses receive equal treatment in the future, and this is evident in the profession up to date. Her effort led to the establishment of a scholarship in her name that is still being carried out today to enhance opportunities for African American nurses (Ebersole, 1997). Creation of the award has been crucial in motivating the nurses to be on the frontline to save humanity and enhance equality within the profession.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Mary Mahoney is among the most remembered nurses in nursing history. The footprints of her work live on, and many view her as a role model in the profession. By learning such contributions, nurses are able to understand the steps taken to ensure the profession remains better at all times.

References

Ebersole, P. (1997). Mary Harper: Nurse/politician extraordinaire. Geriatric Nursing, 18(4), 175-177. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0197457297900458

Davis, A. T. (1991). America's first school of nursing: The New England hospital for women and children. Journal of Nursing Education, 30(4), 158-161. https://www.healio.com/nursing/journals/jne/1991-4-30-4/%7Bfc63b06f-ef5e-43b9-a8b3-870718885054%7D/americas-first-school-of-nursing-the-new-england-hospital-for-women-and-children