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.