Introduction
Nursing management covers multiple issues which can be researched for further insights into the theory and practice of a specific healthcare area. The analysis and implementation of such research are essential for further enhancing patient care. As such, the current paper discusses the issue of socialization and transitioning. Socialization can be defined as a process of mental development and integration into society in general or a part of some specific environment. In turn, transitioning denotes an adaptation procedure for the purpose of adjustment to new surroundings, background, or community. The paper includes, before all, the discussion of these topics in the context of nursing, yet some general information on the phenomena is provided. The scope of the study comes down to the research done by North American and European scholars since the data provided by them are the most relevant for the Western cultural space. The issue of socialization and transitioning is significant for nursing management because it supplies healthcare workers with the most appropriate data on employees’ behavior and learning processes at work to generate practical knowledge.
Main body
Before all else, it is essential to note that the socialization concept is not one with a clear, accepted by all scholars definition. Different researchers and theorists (mainly psychologists) emphasize the various aspects of the phenomenon; as a result, the meaning of the term also varies. As such, some scholars point to the socialization of children, highlighting the influence of their parents and other adult authorities on the process (Ely & Gleason, 2019). Others consider the concept more widely applicable, such as in the working conditions of adults or any other conditions that imply social interactions. For these people, the influence of multiple factors on an individual (cultural ones, for example) are the primary concern when studying socialization (Ely & Gleason, 2019). Hence, the multilayered concept of socialization can be discussed from several perspectives; one of the general views is used in the research.
Furthermore, a piece of insightful information about socialization can be derived from the use of language in the process. Interestingly, Ely and Gleason (2019) state that language is not only the medium and tool for acquiring a person’s cultural norms and behavioral patterns. It is the primary intermediary and the most necessary condition for the successful integration of an individual with a community. Furthermore, language influence on socialization exists in three domains. The first one concerns the input that a person receives from others to learn the rules of the environment. Next, other people notify learners that some verbal codes should be used in particular situations, which helps a person acquire communication skills. Finally, the interaction between a socializing person and others determines the learning behavior’s effectiveness since feedback determines the further use of the accepted patterns (Ely & Gleason, 2019). For nursing management, this information signals that communication is the key to novice employees’ socialization.
Next, the more relevant data for nursing should be reviewed. As such, the research of Moradi et al. (2017) provides valuable analysis of a significant amount of studies on socialization among nurses. Specifically, it is discovered in the research that one of the most important goals and benefits of socialization is the feeling of fulfillment experienced by the nurses. Obviously, the reason for that is the enhanced communication between novice nurses and experienced employees, as well as customers. Hence, the previously mentioned role of language in adaptation is proven by this study. Personally, I consider that nursing managers are responsible for the satisfaction of employees and, thus, they should pay attention to the first months or even a couple of years of novice nurses. To prevent discomfort, employees should be taught about different communication styles for adequate contact between colleagues and patients. As a result, not only the quality of service would be enhanced, but the socialization of the workers could become more accessible and faster, improving the working condition for nurses with it.
Moreover, socialization leads to the acceptance of professional roles by nurses. In Moradi et al. (2017, p. 2471), this is explained by the fact that socialization “is related to culturizing of the individuals in exciting patterns of the organization.” Some might consider that such an acceptance means the loss of one’s identity in the workplace; that socialization makes everyone restrained from their beliefs and extremely obedient and even passive. However, socialization is significantly different: it is about realizing the differences and similarities in a team of workers and creating communicational patterns for continuing dialogue regardless of the contrasts. Besides, the job retention rates are guaranteed by successive socialization, proving that professional roles are entirely relevant in such conditions (Moradi et al., 2017). Thus, socialization is the most critical process for managing human resources in healthcare, which benefits the workers and the customers.
There are specific challenges that might occur in socialization in a healthcare facility. One of the most challenging points of becoming a professional nurse is getting used to personal care. Some point out that these services are overwhelming for students since they relate to customer issues and nurses’ identities (Lehn-Christiansen & Holen, 2019). Others fear losing their identity and becoming heartless workers after employment (Clinton et al., 2018). To overcome these challenges, scholars suggest promoting caring behavior among the colleges as well as by healthcare managers (Shin et al., 2020). Hence, precise planning of the socialization of new nurses should be done by the managers.
Finally, the paper should also mention the concept of transitioning due to its similarity with socialization and relevance for nursing management. Transitioning supposes a more rapid change than socialization; it is not a process but rather a procedure that has consequences for those undergoing it (Welyczko, 2018). For example, the transition from a school, college, or other occupation to a nursing university is viewed by Irvine et al. (2021) in their novel study. Scholars have demonstrated that students’ academic performance depends on their ability to self-regulate and learn individually. In turn, these are influenced by the age and previous experience of a person at the moment of the transition. As was found, international students experience even more difficulties in nursing universities (Irvine et al., 2021). Moreover, the transitioning shock affects the further socialization process of nursing students (Kim & Shin, 2020). I think nursing managers should view these findings when hiring novice nurses since they are going through a similar transition. Namely, they should consider the previous background of the new employees and different abilities to acquire the organizational practices.
Conclude
To conclude, the issue of socialization and transitioning for nursing management has been detailed in the paper. As is found, language is the most crucial component of socialization since it determines the nature of the learning process for novice nurses, the rules that they acquire, and the communication styles for further use. Moreover, the relationships between them and their colleagues are influenced by their achievements during this process. For managers, monitoring socialization is essential for several reasons. First, it improves the service that nurses provide for the customers. Next, it maintains stable working conditions and the satisfaction of the employees. Finally, it creates professionals that know their roles and significance in the organization. Furthermore, it was established that transitioning is a challenging period for nurses and that managers should assist them in this procedure.
References
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