1. What are the key competencies of an advanced practice nurse (APN) leader? How can an APN leader demonstrate these competencies in practice? (10 marks) - Answer: The key competencies of an APN leader are: clinical expertise, collaboration, communication, advocacy, innovation, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and systems thinking. An APN leader can demonstrate these competencies in practice by: providing expert care to patients and families, working effectively with other health professionals and stakeholders, communicating clearly and respectfully, advocating for the needs and rights of patients and communities, initiating and leading change and innovation, applying and generating relevant research and evidence, evaluating and improving the quality and safety of care, and understanding and influencing the health care system and policy. 2. What are some of the challenges and opportunities for APN leaders in the current health care environment? How can an APN leader overcome or leverage these challenges and opportunities? (10 marks) - Answer: Some of the challenges and opportunities for APN leaders in the current health care environment are: increasing complexity and diversity of patient populations, changing health care policies and regulations, limited resources and workforce shortages, emerging technologies and innovations, interprofessional collaboration and teamwork, patient-centered care and shared decision making, health promotion and disease prevention, and global health issues. An APN leader can overcome or leverage these challenges and opportunities by: staying updated and informed on the latest evidence and trends, adapting to changing roles and scopes of practice, advocating for adequate resources and support, embracing new technologies and innovations, fostering interprofessional collaboration and teamwork, engaging patients and families in care planning and delivery, promoting health literacy and healthy behaviors, and participating in global health initiatives. 3. What are some of the ethical principles and dilemmas that an APN leader may encounter in practice? How can an APN leader apply ethical decision making frameworks to resolve these dilemmas? (10 marks) - Answer: Some of the ethical principles and dilemmas that an APN leader may encounter in practice are: autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, justice, fidelity, veracity, confidentiality, informed consent, allocation of resources, end-of-life care, cultural competence, conflict of interest, moral distress, whistleblowing. An APN leader can apply ethical decision making frameworks to resolve these dilemmas by: identifying the ethical problem or question, gathering relevant facts and perspectives, analyzing the values and principles involved, exploring the possible options and consequences, choosing the best option based on ethical reasoning, implementing the decision with respect and compassion, evaluating the outcomes and revising the decision if needed.