EmailNursing on the Front Lines
Trail blazing and longevity are synomonus with Mary Lee Mills. She was an advanced practice nurse midwife who stood the test of time. When she was making her mark on life and in the annals of midwifery history, she also gave a new meaning to service. She demonstrated rising above adversity and in the process she also brought someone alone with her-reaching down and lifting others up. In fact she helped uncountable numbers of people. A fantastic role model!
Mary Lee Mills, RN, MSN, MPH, CNM, was born in 1912 and raised in a rural area outside Watha, in North Carolina. She was one of 11 children and the granddaughter of slaves. Her education began in a school house that had one teacher. Segregation was the law and educational opportunities limited or none existent for Americans of African descent. She started from poor beginnings and went on to achieve international acclaim as an African American nurse while providing health care, education and inspiration to the people she met.
Trail Blazer
An outstanding quality about Nurse Mills was her determination. She migrated to Durham, NC, where she graduated from Lincoln Hospital School of Nursing, becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) in 1934. Under her leadership, registered nurses were able to earn a public health certificate at North Carolina Central.
Mills’ education included:
- Certificate in public health nursing from the Medical College of Virginia
- Certificate in midwifery from the Lobenstein School of Midwifery – New York, NY
- Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in nursing from New York University
- Graduate certificate in health care administration from George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
Trail Blazer Extraordinaire
In 1946 she became a commissioned officer in the US Public Health Service serving as major, lieutenant colonel, colonel and captain.
In addition to her determination, Capt. Mills was adamant about her own health and the health of people on a global basis–transcultural nursing at its best. Her language fluency included Arabic, French, Cambodian, and African dialects
As an officer she served in Liberia, West Africa and Beirut, Lebanon, in January 1952. In addition, she provided health education, nursing care and midwifery services to South Vietnamese, Cambodian and Chad families and individuals. She was a true trailblazer and an example of having lived a long and full life.
Mary Lee Mills, RN, MSN MPH, CNW (Trail Blazer)
Public Health Nurse (Educator)
Nurse Midwife-Advanced Practice Nurse (APRN)
Born 1912-Died Feb.2, 2010 (Longevity-age 98)
A detailed account about her life and career can be found here
How are you using your “dash”? What are your thoughts about being of service to others? How does providing service to others impact your life, health and longevity? (Photo: Courtesy of North Carolina Nurses Association)
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