My Values and Ethical Standings Discussion Assignment

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Recently an elderly lady was brought in with a heart condition and placed under my care after she was stable. My duties involved making sure that she was comfortable and taking her for regular walks around the hospital at specific times of the day. As old as she was, she was independent; she would struggle to get drinking water instead of calling me. My dilemma arose one morning when she insisted she would go, on the walk I was supposed to take her, alone. The walk involved going down a long steep ramp to the ground floor. Weighing the risks; if she fell she would sustain much more injuries and might even die. Similarly, anything could happen on the course of the walk with no one to help her. My discussion involves Uustals decision-making model in addressing this scenario regarding independence and safety.
ID the problem-Firstly my position as a nurse was to ensure the ultimate security of the patient on her routine walks every morning. My problem is whether I should respect the decision of the elderly lady on her terms of independence over safety. As a nurse, I believe in a safety first principle.
My values and ethical standings: my moral standings require me to provide safe environments to reduce more suffering or injuries to such a patient. As much as I may be violating her right to autonomy her safety is of much priority. I can take it upon myself and decide to let her go on her own, but this would be a violation of my ethics on safety and protection.
Considering factors relating to the problem and how to resolve them: In an attempt to resolve the issue we came to an agreement that I would let her walk without me holding her for a little while on the flat ground but not on the stretched ramp.
Examining and Categorizing Alternatives: I also had to talk to her during the walk to make sure we had a relationship that would allow me to execute my responsibilities without making her feel bad.
Predicting outcomes for acceptable alternatives: With built confidentiality I was assured she would make right choices. The patient had to understand that it was my duty to ensure she was safe, and this worked well with the plan on our organized movements.
Prioritizing outcomes: the built relationship is a good step towards mutual understanding between me and the patient. The regular...