Certified Occupational Health Nurse Practice Exam 2025 - Free Occupational Health Nurse Practice Questions and Study Guide

Ada Mayo Stewart is recognized as one of the first "industrial nurses" because she played a pivotal role in the establishment of nursing in the industrial sector during the early 20th century. Her work in the copper mines of Michigan laid the groundwork for the development of occupational health nursing. As a nurse, she focused on the health and safety of workers, addressing industrial-related injuries and illnesses, which helped to shape the profession into what it is today.

In contrast, Clara Barton is more famously known for founding the American Red Cross and her work in civil war nursing, while Florence Nightingale is celebrated for her contributions to nursing practices and education, particularly in the context of military and hospital care. Mary Eliza Mahoney, known as the first African American registered nurse, contributed significantly to the nursing field but did not specifically focus on industrial nursing. Thus, Ada Mayo Stewart's contributions directly align with the origins of industrial nursing, distinguishing her as the foremost figure in that arena.