Which of the following levels of nursing experience indicates a nurse has prior experience in actual nursing situations?

In the context of nursing experience as defined by Patricia Benner's Novice to Expert model, the level of Advanced Beginner characterizes a nurse who has gained some practical experience in real nursing situations. This level signifies that the nurse has transitioned beyond theoretical knowledge and is starting to apply their skills and knowledge in clinical settings.

Advanced Beginners can recognize recurring elements in situations and can perform tasks with some level of confidence, albeit still being dependent on guidance from more experienced colleagues. This experience allows them to develop situational awareness, although they may still lack the depth of understanding and insight that comes with further experience.

The other levels—Novice, Proficient, and Expert—represent different stages in the development of nursing competence. The Novice stage is characterized by a lack of experience and reliance on rules. Proficient nurses have a deeper understanding and can view situations holistically, while Expert nurses demonstrate an intuitive grasp of situations and can make decisions quickly and effectively based on deep knowledge and experience. Advanced Beginner is the appropriate choice here, as it specifically highlights prior experience in nursing scenarios, distinguishing it from these other stages.