The study is an analysis of theory and practicum teaching of nursing care in the undergraduate program of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte. The objectives were to identify 1) the conceptual elements of nursing care in the program, 2) the teaching methods used, and 3) the criteria for quality evaluation of care. Professors who taught theory and practicum of nursing analysed their considerations related to the teaching and practice of nursing care expressed at discussion meetings. The results indicated a lack of internal integration, and between teaching and service characterized by 1) disarticulation of concepts, 2) lack of coherence between teaching and service and 3) lack of parameters, for the evaluation of care. Suggestions are made for collaboration of teaching and service professionals in defining their conceptual, theoretical, and practicum bases for care.