Answer

1. Professional socialization relates to the manner in which we learn the roles and functions of being a
nurse once we enter the healthcare system. What are some of the ways this socialization occurs in your
place of employment, and do you believe it leads to effective assumption of the nursing role? This
socialization occurs in a patriarchal healthcare system that still remains predominantly male physicianbased. Discuss the impact, you believe, this has on socialization to the nursing role.
2. Identify an area of practice where change theory may find applicability. Provide examples to support
your answer. Comment on the inherent weaknesses in change theory that may impact real life situations
or give rise to difficulties in the process of applying this theory.
3. Debate the applicability of role theory in your healthcare setting. Analyze its application in:
•Nursing practice
•Nursing education
•Nursing research
•Nursing administration
I believe socialization occurs when a person becomes comfortable with their new job role. For me,
socialization occurred once I became familiar with my role as a nurse and confident in practicing as a
nurse. My nursing preceptor was very effective in training me to become an efficient nurse. She never
missed an opportunity to show me different scenarios of patient care. I feel that my time-management
skills are well organized, due to the orientation I received from my original preceptor.
I feel I received great foundation nursing skills from my preceptor but, I am sure I picked up on some bad
habits a long the way of learning the role of nursing. When learning new roles, it is easy to assimilate
healthy and unhealthy behaviors. Unfortunately, new nurses are not able to choose their preceptor but,
new nurses should use their judgement when transforming into their new role. Once I became familiar
with the nursing role, I started to practice in away that was appropriate for me. It is so easy to model the
behavior of colleagues but, as health practitioners, we must provide patient’s with evidence based
practice.
Working in a patriarchal healthcare system has many challenges. I remember encountering a situation
between female and male physicians, related to withdrawal of care for a patient. The physicians argued
with one another, and it seemed that the female physician was fighting to be heard. I feel that nurses are
constantly challenged with being acknowledged by male physicians. I like to make patient rounds with
physicians and sometimes I feel that they are dismissive. Some female physicians have picked up the
behaviors of their male colleagues. I recall having an encounter with a female physician, who attempted
to log me off my computer as I was trying to complete patient care. I politely asked, “What are you
doing?” She laughed and apologized instantaneously. Some nurses are afraid to speak up for themselves
and that is learned behavior.
Kurt Lewin’s Change Theory can be applied in nursing practice and nursing research. A study a by
Wojciechowski, Murphy, Pearsall, & French ( 2016) uses Lewin’s Three-Step Model for Change to
implement inter-professional collaboration through bedside shift reporting. The authors of this study
argued that inter-professional collaboration is conducive to providing quality nursing care. The study
showed that although change does not happen immediately, utilizing Lewin’s Three Step Model for
change reduces communication barriers and increases understanding of the process of change among
nurses (Wojciechowski, Murphy, Pearsall, & French, 2016).
The refreezing stage of Lewin’s Change Theory occurs when the “change” becomes a standard of
practice. In the hospital setting, the refreezing stage of the Change Theory is hard to accomplish because
some nurses are resistant to change or revert to old habits, easily (Goodroad, Webb, & Bredow, 2017). I
remember a time when the use of paper charts were being replaced by computerized physician order
entry (CPOE) of instructions. Older nurses were trying to make the change but, when they were faced
with being overwhelmed, they reverted back to using paper charts. Physicians did not conform to the
change easily, too. They continued to write orders in the paper chart, opposed to using CPOE.
Consequently, physicians were written up for not complying with the change, and eventually were forced
to comply. I like CPOE. It’s fast, efficient, and legible.
Role theory is the expected behavior tied with job position (van der Horst, 2016). In nursing education,
educators provide nursing students with the basic nursing skills and knowledge so that they can practice
competent care. Additionally, the role of nurse educators is to help practicing nurses bridge the gap
between theory and practice. In nursing research, nurses use evidence based practice to provide safe
and quality care to patients and their families. Nursing research is conducive to promoting healthy
behaviors and improving the quality of life in patients with chronic illnesses (Lamar University, 2016).
Nursing administrators are responsible for managing and supervising nurse and supportive nursing staff.
Nurse administrators act a mentors for nursing staff so that the vision of an organization is achieved.
Effective guidance from nurse administrators allows for positive patient outcomes and overall morale
boost from staff. In addition to managing nursing staff, nurse administrators budget resources, plan and
implement organization change, and nurture collaborative relationships (GraduateNursingEDU.org,
2018). I have observed role conflict among these roles in my clinical setting, but over time through
socialization and experience, conflict decreases.
References
Goodroad, B., Webb, M., & Bredow, T. S.(2017). Planned change. In S.J. Peterson & T.S. Bredrow (Eds.),
Middle range theories: Application to nursing research and practice (pp 279-292). Retrieved May 4, from
https://digitalbookshelf.southuniversity.edu/#/books/9781496348524/cfi/6/50!/4/30/6/4/2/60/2/2@0:
0
GraduateNursingEDU.org. (2018). Nurse administrator (leader). Retrieved May 4, 2018 from
https://www.graduatenursingedu.org/nurse-administrator/
Lamar University. (2016, April 20). Why is nursing research important? Retrieved May 4, 2018 from
https://degree.lamar.edu/articles/nursing/why-is-nursing-research-important.aspxvan der Horst, M.
(2016). Role theory. Retrieved May 4 from http://www.oxfordbibliographies.com/view/document/obo9780199756384/obo-9780199756384-0175.xml
Wojciechowski, E., Murphy, P., Pearsall, T., French, E., (May 31, 2016) “A Case Review: Integrating Lewin’s
Theory with Lean’s System Approach for Change” OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing Vol. 21
No. 2, Manuscript 4.