A multimodal career education model entitled BEST IDEA was field tested as an approach to the problem of retaining skilled nurses in the work force. Using multimodal assessment and intervention strategies derived from the multimodal behavior therapy of Arnold Lazarus, researchers developed an individualized career development assessment and counseling program for use with student nurses. To test the program, researchers offered a two-semester-hour applied psychology course that was designed to serve as an entire unit of multimodal career education to 17 freshmen entering the career ladder nursing program at Odessa College in Texas in the spring of 1981. Addressed during the course were the following modalities: behavior, emotion, self-talk, thought, interpersonal relationships, developmental level, economic and societal factors, and alpha factors (those which affect physiological functioning, such as drug or alcohol abuse). Nine of the initial 17 students completed the program, causing the researchers to conclude that many students changed perceptions about careers in nursing. Participation in the program was associated with gains in assertiveness, sex role flexibility, personal adjustment, and career commitment. Based on the field test, researchers recommended a number of group and individual activities for use in any career development program. (MN)