Establishing a 'train the trainer' education model for clinical skills development.

Demographic trends and service reform present healthcare providers with the challenge of developing appropriate resources to manage increasing numbers of sick and disabled older people. But these changes bring increased opportunities for nursing, and the expansion of the nursing role is crucial as health services strive to meet the changing needs of older people. Against a background of reforms in Ireland and backed by an education and training needs analysis of nursing staff, two stakeholders devised a model of education that would best meet identified demands. This article sets out a model for skill attainment that acknowledges the diversity of care settings and improves the sustainability of training provided. Advantages and disadvantages are discussed, and lessons learned are shared.