In the fast-paced world of healthcare, clear and concise communication is absolutely critical. A Transfer Note Nursing Example is a vital document used to ensure a smooth and safe transition of a patient from one healthcare setting to another, or even within the same facility. This note serves as a bridge, providing essential information about a patient’s condition, treatment, and ongoing needs. This essay will explore the key components of a successful transfer note and provide several examples to guide healthcare professionals in crafting effective communication.
Key Components of a Transfer Note
The primary function of a transfer note is to give the receiving medical team a complete picture of the patient’s situation. This includes a summary of the patient’s history, the reason for their current state, and the care they’ve received so far. It prevents any gaps in treatment and ensures the patient’s well-being during the transfer.
Here’s a breakdown of what a typical transfer note usually includes:
- Patient Demographics: Name, date of birth, medical record number, and other identifying information.
- Reason for Transfer: Why the patient is moving from one location to another.
- Current Medical Status: A brief overview of the patient’s present condition.
- Medications: A list of all medications, dosages, and administration times.
- Allergies: Known allergies to medications, food, or environmental factors.
- Treatments and Procedures: Any ongoing treatments, procedures, or interventions.
- Vital Signs: Recent vital signs, like blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature.
- Diet and Activity: Dietary restrictions and activity level.
- Code Status: Whether the patient is a full code, DNR (Do Not Resuscitate), etc.
- Contact Information: Contact details for the sending and receiving facilities and the patient’s family.
Transfer notes are crucial because they:
- Provide continuity of care.
- Reduce the risk of medical errors.
- Allow the new medical team to quickly understand the patient’s situation.
- Improve the overall patient experience.
The accuracy and completeness of a transfer note directly affect the quality of care the patient receives.
Email Example: Transfer to a Rehabilitation Facility
Subject: Patient Transfer – John Smith, MRN: 1234567 – to Willow Creek Rehabilitation
Dear Dr. Miller and the Willow Creek Rehabilitation Team,
This email is to inform you of the upcoming transfer of John Smith, MRN 1234567, from our acute care facility to your rehabilitation center. Mr. Smith is transferring due to a recent stroke and requires ongoing physical and occupational therapy.
Patient Information:
- Name: John Smith
- DOB: 01/01/1960
- MRN: 1234567
Reason for Transfer: Post-stroke rehabilitation.
Current Medical Status: Stable, recovering from a recent stroke. Weakness on the left side. Able to follow simple commands. Speech is slightly impaired.
Medications:
| Medication | Dosage | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Aspirin | 81 mg | Daily |
| Lisinopril | 10 mg | Daily |
| Atorvastatin | 20 mg | Daily |
Allergies: NKDA (No Known Drug Allergies)
Treatments: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy scheduled.
Diet: Regular diet, no restrictions.
Activity: Limited mobility, requires assistance with all activities.
Code Status: Full code.
Contact Information:
- Sending Facility: General Hospital
- Receiving Facility: Willow Creek Rehabilitation
- Nurse Contact: Jane Doe, RN (jane.doe@generalhospital.com)
- Physician Contact: Dr. Robert Brown (robert.brown@generalhospital.com)
The transfer is scheduled for tomorrow, July 13th, at 10:00 AM. We will send all relevant medical records with Mr. Smith. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe, RN
General Hospital
Email Example: Transferring a Patient to the Emergency Room
Subject: Urgent Patient Transfer – Mary Jones, MRN: 9876543 – to ER
Dear Emergency Room Team,
This email is to inform you of the urgent transfer of Mary Jones, MRN 9876543, from our clinic to your Emergency Room due to a suspected heart attack.
Patient Information:
- Name: Mary Jones
- DOB: 05/10/1955
- MRN: 9876543
Reason for Transfer: Suspected Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack).
Current Medical Status: Patient is experiencing severe chest pain, shortness of breath, and has a history of cardiac issues.
Medications:
- Metoprolol 50mg – Oral, Daily
- Aspirin 81mg – Oral, Daily
Allergies: Penicillin
Vitals: HR 110, BP 90/60, O2 Saturation: 88% on room air.
Treatments: Oxygen via nasal cannula at 2L/min. ECG performed (results pending, will be sent separately).
Diet: NPO (Nothing by mouth).
Activity: Bed rest.
Code Status: Full code.
Contact Information:
- Sending Facility: Primary Care Clinic
- Receiving Facility: City General Hospital ER
- Nurse Contact: John Smith, RN (john.smith@primarycare.com)
- Physician Contact: Dr. Emily Carter (emily.carter@primarycare.com)
We are calling ahead to alert you of the patient’s arrival. Ambulance transport is en route and should arrive at your facility in approximately 15 minutes. We will send the ECG results and other records separately.
Sincerely,
John Smith, RN
Primary Care Clinic
Email Example: Transfer Within the Same Hospital (ICU to General Ward)
Subject: Patient Transfer – David Lee, MRN: 1122334 – ICU to Ward 3A
Dear Ward 3A Nursing Team,
This email is to notify you of the transfer of David Lee, MRN 1122334, from the ICU to your ward. Mr. Lee is being transferred due to improvement in his condition.
Patient Information:
- Name: David Lee
- DOB: 12/12/1970
- MRN: 1122334
Reason for Transfer: Improvement in condition; no longer requires intensive monitoring.
Current Medical Status: Recovering from pneumonia. Stable vital signs. Alert and oriented. Requires assistance with ambulation.
Medications:
- Amoxicillin 500mg – Oral, every 8 hours
- Albuterol inhaler – 2 puffs, every 4 hours as needed
Allergies: NKDA
Vitals: Temp: 98.6°F, HR: 80 bpm, BP: 120/70, RR: 16, O2 Saturation: 96% on room air.
Treatments: Chest physiotherapy every 4 hours. Wound dressing change to left arm, every 24 hours.
Diet: Regular diet.
Activity: Assist with ambulation; patient requires assistance.
Code Status: Full code.
Contact Information:
- Sending Unit: ICU
- Receiving Unit: Ward 3A
- Nurse Contact: Sarah Johnson, RN (sarah.johnson@hospital.com)
- Physician Contact: Dr. Michael Brown (michael.brown@hospital.com)
Mr. Lee is scheduled to be transferred at 10:00 AM tomorrow. All necessary paperwork and the patient’s chart will be sent with him. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Sarah Johnson, RN
ICU
Email Example: Transferring a Pediatric Patient to a Specialized Unit
Subject: Patient Transfer – Emily Carter, MRN: 4455667 – to Pediatric ICU
Dear Pediatric ICU Team,
This email concerns the transfer of Emily Carter, MRN 4455667, from our general pediatric ward to your specialized unit. Emily is experiencing respiratory distress and requires advanced monitoring.
Patient Information:
- Name: Emily Carter
- DOB: 03/05/2018
- MRN: 4455667
Reason for Transfer: Respiratory distress, suspected pneumonia.
Current Medical Status: Patient is experiencing increased work of breathing, wheezing, and a fever. She has been receiving supplemental oxygen.
Medications:
- Albuterol Nebulizer – every 4 hours
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) – 160mg, every 4 hours as needed for fever.
Allergies: NKDA
Vitals: Temp: 101.8°F, HR: 140 bpm, RR: 30, O2 Saturation: 88% on 2L nasal cannula.
Treatments: Supplemental oxygen via nasal cannula. Nebulizer treatments. Frequent respiratory assessments.
Diet: Regular diet.
Activity: Bed rest.
Code Status: Full code.
Contact Information:
- Sending Unit: General Pediatric Ward
- Receiving Unit: Pediatric ICU
- Nurse Contact: Jennifer Lee, RN (jennifer.lee@pediatric.com)
- Physician Contact: Dr. Susan Miller (susan.miller@pediatric.com)
We anticipate transport within the next hour. Please contact me if you require further information.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Lee, RN
General Pediatric Ward
Letter Example: Transfer to Hospice Care
[Your Facility Letterhead]
Date: July 12, 2024
Hospice of the Valley
123 Main Street
Anytown, USA
Subject: Patient Transfer – Robert Williams, MRN: 7788990
Dear Hospice of the Valley Team,
This letter is to inform you of the upcoming transfer of Robert Williams, MRN 7788990, to your hospice care facility. Mr. Williams requires palliative care and symptom management for his advanced stage cancer.
Patient Information:
- Name: Robert Williams
- DOB: 04/04/1945
- MRN: 7788990
Reason for Transfer: Palliative care and end-of-life care.
Current Medical Status: Patient has advanced stage cancer. Currently experiencing pain and fatigue. Requires assistance with all activities of daily living.
Medications:
- Morphine Sulfate 10mg – Oral, every 4 hours as needed for pain.
- Ondansetron 4mg – Oral, every 8 hours for nausea.
Allergies: Codeine
Treatments: Pain management. Symptom control. Wound care. Oxygen as needed.
Diet: Soft diet; patient has difficulty swallowing.
Activity: Bed rest.
Code Status: DNR (Do Not Resuscitate).
Contact Information:
- Sending Facility: City General Hospital
- Receiving Facility: Hospice of the Valley
- Nurse Contact: Michael Davis, RN (michael.davis@hospital.com)
- Physician Contact: Dr. Sarah Jones (sarah.jones@hospital.com)
- Family Contact: Susan Williams (Daughter) 555-123-4567
Mr. Williams will be transferred to your facility tomorrow, July 13th, at approximately 2:00 PM. All necessary medical records and the patient’s chart will be transferred along with him. We have also discussed the transfer and end-of-life care plan with Mr. Williams and his family. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.
Sincerely,
Michael Davis, RN
City General Hospital
Letter Example: Transfer of a Patient to a Psychiatric Unit
[Your Facility Letterhead]
Date: July 12, 2024
Psychiatric Unit
St. Luke’s Hospital
456 Oak Street
Anytown, USA
Subject: Patient Transfer – Emily White, MRN: 2233445
Dear Psychiatric Unit Team,
This letter serves as a formal notification of the transfer of Emily White, MRN 2233445, to your psychiatric unit. Ms. White requires specialized mental health treatment.
Patient Information:
- Name: Emily White
- DOB: 08/15/1998
- MRN: 2233445
Reason for Transfer: Suicidal ideation and major depressive disorder.
Current Medical Status: Patient is experiencing symptoms of major depressive disorder and has expressed suicidal thoughts. Patient is currently on a 1:1 observation.
Medications:
- Sertraline 50mg – Oral, daily
- Lorazepam 0.5mg – Oral, as needed for anxiety.
Allergies: NKDA
Treatments: 1:1 observation, psychotherapy, ongoing medication management.
Diet: Regular diet.
Activity: Limited activity; bed rest advised.
Code Status: Full code.
Contact Information:
- Sending Facility: General Hospital
- Receiving Unit: St. Luke’s Psychiatric Unit
- Nurse Contact: Jennifer Brown, RN (jennifer.brown@hospital.com)
- Physician Contact: Dr. David Lee (david.lee@hospital.com)
- Legal Guardian Contact: Robert White (Father) 555-987-6543
Ms. White is scheduled to be transferred tomorrow, July 13th, at 1:00 PM. Security will be accompanying the patient during the transfer. All relevant medical and psychiatric records will be provided upon arrival. Please contact us if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Brown, RN
General Hospital
In conclusion, a well-crafted **Transfer Note Nursing Example** is a cornerstone of safe and effective patient care. By providing clear, concise, and comprehensive information, these notes ensure continuity of care, minimize the risk of errors, and empower healthcare professionals to provide the best possible outcomes for their patients. These examples are starting point, and notes can be customized to reflect the unique needs of any patient. Mastering the art of the transfer note helps everyone in the healthcare community.