Industrial and organizational psychology, commonly known as I-O psychology, is used to study the behavioral patterns of human beings, including how they interact with their workplaces, and focuses on the application of different psychological theories and principles to both the employees and the organization (APA, 2016). Through the use of I-O psychology, it is possible to interpret research in constructive ways in order to meet the changing needs of different organizations, such as within the health care industry.
One of the most influential sectors within the health care industry is the nursing field. Since nurses are required to work with a wide variety of patients, it is important to ensure that these nurses have the personality traits and behavioral characteristics necessary to meet the needs of a wide range of patients. Therefore, it is not unusual for organizations to have multiple interviews with one candidate before hiring in order to see if they fit with the company’s culture. For instance, in a highly specialized unit, such as endoscopy, the unit director may elect to have the candidate undergo interviews with shift leaders or even team members, as well, in order to see if there is a positive fit between the candidate and the unit.
For training purposes, trainers may provide many different hypothetical scenarios for the new nurse in order to see how s/he reacts to different situations. This can help ascertain what unit may be the most accommodating to the nurse’s unique personality traits and behavioral dispositions. For example, if a nurse is prone to extreme stress or indecision in sudden situations, s/he may not be as effective in the emergency room department of a hospital as s/he is in the general floor of a hospital or in a doctor’s office. Therefore, the use of these scenarios can help prepare the nurse for the environment being faced.
- APA. (2016). Industrial and Organizational Psychology. Retrieved from APA: http://www.apa.org/ed/graduate/specialize/industrial.aspx.
