ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the unique nature of organizational socialization (OS) and organizational assimilation (OA) in health care organizations. It also focuses on vocational anticipatory socialization (VAS) that includes communication and other exposure generating interest in particular careers and causes individuals to begin to develop related professional identities. The chapter then discusses entry and adjustment into health care organizations and explains three aspects of OA-getting to know coworkers, acculturating, and feeling recognized. The VAS is a process through which individuals destined for careers in health care often begin to develop professional identities. OA by health care workers are directly involved in adopting and managing one's professional identity: becoming familiar with coworkers, acculturation, and recognition. Because getting to know coworkers is an important part of acculturating into organizations. Social identities may affect the types of relationships they develop and the quality of their relationships with others in their workgroups.
