Final answer:
The nursing student is in (C) Cohen's Stage III: Dependence/ Mutuality, showing a reliance on faculty direction yet a collaborative approach to patient care.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nursing student who states they will be able to care for a patient given directions from the clinical faculty is demonstrating characteristics of Stage III: Dependence/ Mutuality in Cohen's model of professional socialization. At this stage, the student is starting to integrate the professional knowledge gained through instruction and is willing to perform tasks under the guidance and direction of more experienced practitioners.
This shows a reliance on experts but also indicates the beginning of a mutual and collaborative relationship where the student is actively involved in the learning process.