Introduction
Applying theoretical models from various disciplines other than nursing is a good practice for advanced nurse practitioners (ANPs). It allows for expanding knowledge and vision of interpersonal relationships and responsibilities. Following their roles and obligations, ANPs might positively affect patient satisfaction, promote cost-effectiveness, and control waiting times (Htay & Whitehead, 2021). They need to understand the impact of the environment on their practice, and a contingency theory of management enhances the analysis of organizational functioning and performance (Contandriopoulos et al., 2018). This paper aims to identify the chosen model’s main characteristics and discuss its application to nursing. Contingency theory defines situational factors in professional relationships and helps improve the work environment, which is necessary for nurse practitioners.
Model Characteristics
Contingency theory is commonly used in the spheres of leadership and management. It is also known as the situational approach, according to which there is no right or wrong way to manage people because all processes are situational by nature (Contandriopoulos et al., 2018). The performance and functioning of any facility depend on such factors as size, environment, employees, and culture. According to Soares and Maduro-Abreu (2019), a strong relationship between structure, environment, and performance promotes the necessary adjustments and adaptation. The primary characteristics of the chosen approach are contingency (dependence on the situation), environment (organizational policies), non-universality (no specific ways to do things), diagnostics (evaluation of changes), and human relations (skills and communication). Each characteristic has to be properly recognized and understood to be applied in crises like the pandemic and measure leadership skills (Suharyanto & Lestari, 2020). The worth of this theoretical model is the intention to avoid excellence but find the right balance between what to do, what sources to use, and what skills or behaviors to apply.
Application to Advanced Nursing Role
In nursing practice, contingency theory can help participants focus on their duties, skills, and changing situations, not on some imposed expectations and regulations. In the study, Lopes-Júnior (2021) admits the importance of expanding the roles of APNs in terms of their autonomy and competence to make decisions, solve problems, and develop evaluations. Such goals correspond to the characteristics of the situational approach, like diagnostics, non-universality, and human relations. Nurses have many skills to apply depending on the situation, which is also supported by the contingency theory and the inevitability of some events. This leadership theory provides a realistic explanation of the work environment and promotes a situation-oriented approach to create solutions and develop interpersonal relationships (Suharyanto & Lestari, 2020). With the help of this model, nurses will be able to identify their strong and weak sides, choose individuals for cooperation, and take the steps that bring the best outcomes in a particular situation. Instead of addressing some common principles and rules, this theory makes it possible for nurse practitioners to maintain independence and rationality at work.
Conclusion
In general, the idea of implementing leadership theories in nursing practice is characterized by certain benefits. Today, multiple attempts are made to expand the role of APNs in education, research, and management (Lopes-Júnior, 2021). The effectiveness of contingency theory has been observed in such spheres as health care, social services, and education (Contandriopoulos et al., 2018). The characteristics of the model, like the environment, contingency, human relation, diagnostics, and non-universality, do not challenge but inspire nurses to demonstrate their best skills in situations. Instead of depending on some principles, nurses should understand how to find the way out at a particular moment.
References
Contandriopoulos, D., Perroux, M., & Duhoux, A. (2018). Formalization and subordination: a contingency theory approach to optimizing primary care teams. BMJ Open, 8(11). Web.
Htay, M., & Whitehead, D. (2021). The effectiveness of the role of advanced nurse practitioners compared to physician-led or usual care: A systematic review. International Journal of Nursing Studies Advances, 3. Web.
Lopes-Júnior, L. C. (2021). Advanced practice nursing and the expansion of the role of nurses in primary health care in the Americas. SAGE Open Nursing, 7. Web.
Soares, D. D. C., & Maduro-Abreu, A. (2019). Relationship between environment, structure, and efficiency in contingency theory: A systematic review of the literature. Revista Foco, 2(1), 82-105.
Suharyanto, A., & Lestari, R. D. (2020). The fall and rise of the contingency theory of leadership. Iapa Proceedings Conference, 479-496. Web.