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A care/cure dichotomy exists between nursing and medicine. Consistent with the nature of most dichotomies, where one part dominates, medicine has emerged as the more valued and prestigious half of the dichotomy. Nursing has steadfastly adhered to the science of caring which, in many ways, impedes the ability to move beyond the dualism of care/cure. This analysis examines the origins and endurance of the care/cure dichotomy in nursing as both externally and internally imposed.

In a study to decrease medication administration errors, nurses wore brightly colored sashes as a symbol they were performing the important task of giving meds and were not to be interrupted. Situated within Watson’s Caritas theory, the study gave nurses the opportunity to “center” themselves to enhance focus and concentration on medication administration. While nurses appreciated the opportunity to concentrate on administering meds without interruptions by other staff or phone calls, they worried that patient care coordination for which they were responsible was suffering. Interventions focused on enhancing safety of a single task may be incongruent with total patient-centered care.