When a patient’s care is moved from one healthcare setting to another, a crucial document is the Transfer Note Nursing Example. This note serves as a detailed summary of the patient’s condition, treatment, and needs, ensuring a smooth and safe transition. It’s like a medical snapshot, giving the new healthcare team all the essential information to continue providing quality care.
Key Components of a Solid Transfer Note
A well-written transfer note is vital for patient safety and effective communication between healthcare providers. It usually includes several key elements to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Here are the key components:
- Patient Demographics: Name, date of birth, medical record number, and contact information.
- Reason for Transfer: Why is the patient being moved?
- Medical History: A brief overview of the patient’s past medical problems and surgeries.
- Current Condition: The patient’s current status, including vital signs, symptoms, and physical assessment findings.
- Medications: A complete list of all medications the patient is taking, including dosage, frequency, and route.
- Allergies: A list of any known allergies, including medications, food, and environmental factors.
- Treatments and Procedures: Details of any ongoing treatments or procedures, such as wound care, dialysis, or oxygen therapy.
- Diet and Activity: The patient’s dietary restrictions and activity level.
- Nursing Care Plan: Important details about the care the patient needs.
- Special Instructions: Any special needs or instructions for the receiving healthcare team.
The following table shows a simplified example:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Patient Name | John Smith |
| Diagnosis | Pneumonia |
| Medications | IV Antibiotics, Oxygen |
| Allergies | Penicillin |
The transfer note’s primary goal is to provide continuity of care, and it is vital for the next healthcare team. A comprehensive and clear transfer note helps prevent medical errors, ensures proper treatment, and allows the receiving team to quickly understand the patient’s situation.
Email Example: Transferring a Patient from the Emergency Room to the ICU
Subject: Patient Transfer – John Doe – ER to ICU
Dear ICU Team,
This email is to inform you of the transfer of John Doe, DOB: 01/15/1990, MRN: 1234567, from the Emergency Room to your unit. The patient is being transferred due to respiratory distress secondary to community-acquired pneumonia and requires close monitoring and respiratory support.
Summary:
- Diagnosis: Community-Acquired Pneumonia.
- Current Condition: Patient is experiencing shortness of breath, SpO2 of 88% on room air. Currently on 3L nasal cannula.
- Medications: Currently receiving IV antibiotics (Ceftriaxone 1g q24h) and Albuterol nebulizer treatments q4h PRN.
- Allergies: NKDA.
- Procedures: Chest X-ray completed (shows pneumonia).
- Labs: CBC pending.
Please find attached the detailed transfer note. We anticipate a need for possible intubation. We will be transferring the patient with a patent IV. Please reach out if you need any clarification. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Nurse, ER
Email Example: Transferring a Patient from the Hospital to a Rehabilitation Facility
Subject: Patient Transfer – Jane Smith – Hospital to Rehabilitation
Dear Rehabilitation Center,
This email is to inform you of the transfer of Jane Smith, DOB: 03/20/1955, MRN: 9876543, from our hospital to your facility for rehabilitation following a hip replacement surgery. The patient is recovering well and is now ready for intensive physical therapy.
Summary:
- Diagnosis: Post-operative hip replacement.
- Current Condition: Ambulating with a walker, pain controlled with oral medications.
- Medications: Pain medication (Oxycodone), blood thinner (Warfarin), and antibiotics (Cephalexin).
- Allergies: NKDA.
- Diet: Regular diet.
- Precautions: Weight-bearing restrictions.
Attached, you will find a comprehensive transfer note detailing the patient’s condition, medications, and care instructions. Please feel free to contact me at any time with any questions. Thank you for your care.
Sincerely,
Nurse, Hospital
Email Example: Transferring a Patient from a Skilled Nursing Facility to the Hospital
Subject: Patient Transfer – Robert Jones – Skilled Nursing to Hospital
Dear Hospital Team,
This email is to inform you of the transfer of Robert Jones, DOB: 07/10/1948, MRN: 2468013, from our Skilled Nursing Facility to the emergency department. The patient has a fever and is experiencing increased confusion.
Summary:
- Diagnosis: Possible Urinary Tract Infection.
- Current Condition: Fever of 102.5°F, increased confusion, and reports of burning with urination.
- Medications: Multiple medications (see attached transfer note for full list).
- Allergies: Sulfa drugs.
- Recent Tests: None done at the skilled nursing facility due to the severity of symptoms.
Attached is the detailed transfer note with the patient’s history, medications, and current status. Please let us know if you require any further information. Thank you for your immediate attention to the patient.
Sincerely,
Nurse, Skilled Nursing Facility
Email Example: Transferring a Pediatric Patient from the Pediatric Ward to the PICU
Subject: Patient Transfer – Emily Carter – Pediatric Ward to PICU
Dear PICU Team,
This email is to inform you of the transfer of Emily Carter, DOB: 11/05/2018, MRN: 4444444, from the Pediatric Ward to your unit. The patient is being transferred due to worsening respiratory distress.
Summary:
- Diagnosis: Asthma exacerbation.
- Current Condition: Increased work of breathing, wheezing, and decreased oxygen saturation despite current treatments.
- Medications: Albuterol via nebulizer, IV steroids.
- Allergies: Penicillin.
- Special Notes: Parents are present and very anxious.
The detailed transfer note is attached. The patient will require frequent monitoring. Any questions, please call. Thank you for your help.
Sincerely,
Nurse, Pediatric Ward
Email Example: Transferring a Patient with Psychiatric Needs
Subject: Patient Transfer – David Lee – General Ward to Psychiatric Unit
Dear Psychiatric Unit Team,
This email is to inform you of the transfer of David Lee, DOB: 09/01/1980, MRN: 6666666, from the General Ward to your unit. The patient requires specialized psychiatric care.
Summary:
- Diagnosis: Suicidal ideation.
- Current Condition: Patient reports suicidal thoughts.
- Medications: Currently no medications.
- Allergies: NKDA.
- Precautions: Close observation and suicide precautions.
- Psychiatric History: Prior suicide attempts and history of depression.
The detailed transfer note is attached. Please focus on safety measures and the mental health of the patient. Thank you for your specialized care.
Sincerely,
Nurse, General Ward
Email Example: Transferring a Patient with Wound Care Needs
Subject: Patient Transfer – Sarah Miller – Hospital to Home Health
Dear Home Health Nurse,
This email is to inform you of the transfer of Sarah Miller, DOB: 04/04/1962, MRN: 7777777, from our hospital to your home health care services for ongoing wound care.
Summary:
- Diagnosis: Diabetic foot ulcer.
- Current Condition: Wound on the left foot.
- Medications: Insulin and pain medications (see attached).
- Allergies: NKDA.
- Wound Care Plan: Wound is being treated with antimicrobial dressing.
Attached is a detailed transfer note outlining the patient’s wound care plan, medication list, and other relevant information. Please ensure the patient is receiving the appropriate wound care as per the plan. The patient also requires education on proper wound care. Please reach out if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Nurse, Hospital
Letter Example: Transferring a Patient from One Physician’s Care to Another
Date: October 26, 2023
Dr. Emily Carter
123 Main Street
Anytown, USA
Dear Dr. Carter,
This letter is to provide information for the transfer of care for our shared patient, Mr. Robert Johnson, DOB: 11/12/1958, MRN: 8888888, to your care.
Summary:
Mr. Johnson is being transferred to your care for his ongoing cardiac condition. We have provided initial stabilization and assessment. The patient has a history of congestive heart failure. The patient is stable at this moment.
- Diagnosis: Congestive Heart Failure.
- Medications: Lisinopril 10mg daily, Metoprolol 50mg twice daily, and Furosemide 40mg daily.
- Allergies: NKDA.
- Recent Lab Results: Recent EKG shows normal sinus rhythm.
Please find the detailed transfer note attached, which includes the patient’s complete medical history, current medications, and recent lab results. We wish Mr. Johnson the best and are confident that his care will be in capable hands.
Sincerely,
Nurse, Hospital
In conclusion, the **Transfer Note Nursing Example** is a crucial tool for ensuring safe and effective patient care during transitions. It facilitates effective communication, prevents errors, and helps the new healthcare team quickly understand the patient’s needs. Creating clear, detailed, and accurate transfer notes is a fundamental responsibility of all nurses, ultimately contributing to positive patient outcomes. By mastering the components and using the examples provided, nurses can ensure that every patient receives the best possible care, no matter where they are being treated.