As a nursing professional, you’ll often be involved in transferring patients from one healthcare setting to another. This requires clear and concise communication to ensure the patient’s safety and continuity of care. A Transfer Note Nursing Example is a crucial document that facilitates this process. This essay will explore the significance of transfer notes and provide several email and letter examples tailored for different transfer scenarios.
Key Components of a Transfer Note
A transfer note serves as a comprehensive handover document. It provides essential information about a patient’s condition, treatment, and ongoing needs. This information is vital for the receiving healthcare team to provide appropriate care.
A well-written transfer note typically includes the following elements:
- Patient demographics (name, date of birth, medical record number)
- Reason for transfer
- Current medical status (diagnosis, vital signs, and physical assessment findings)
- Medications (dosage, frequency, and route)
- Allergies
- Treatments and procedures performed
- Nursing care plan (specific instructions and interventions)
- Recent lab results and diagnostic imaging reports
- Contact information for the sending facility
Accurate and complete transfer notes are essential for preventing medical errors and ensuring the patient’s safety during the transition. Think of it like passing the baton in a relay race; you need to hand off the important details so the next runner knows exactly what to do.
- Accurate Information: Make sure you check all the information is correct.
- Clarity: Write as clear as you can and avoid confusing words.
- Concise: Don’t make it too long. Highlight only the main points.
Example of Transfer Note Nursing Letter for Transfer to a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF)
Subject: Patient Transfer – [Patient Name], [Medical Record Number]
Dear SNF Admissions Team,
This letter is to inform you of the upcoming transfer of [Patient Name], DOB: [Date of Birth], Medical Record Number: [MRN] from [Sending Hospital/Facility Name] to your facility. The patient is being transferred for rehabilitation and skilled nursing care following [Reason for transfer, e.g., a recent hip replacement surgery].
Patient’s Current Condition:
- Diagnosis: [Primary Diagnosis]
- Vital Signs: Stable, Temperature [Temperature], Heart Rate [Heart Rate], Blood Pressure [Blood Pressure], Respiratory Rate [Respiratory Rate], Oxygen Saturation [Oxygen Saturation]
- Alert and oriented to person, place, and time.
- Ambulation: Requires assistance with a walker.
Medications: (Please see attached medication administration record (MAR))
Allergies: [List all known allergies, e.g., NKDA – No Known Drug Allergies]
Treatments: Wound care for surgical site (dressing change every 24 hours), physical therapy scheduled twice daily.
Nursing Care Plan: Assist with activities of daily living (ADLs), monitor wound for signs of infection, encourage ambulation as tolerated, administer medications as prescribed.
Recent Labs: [Briefly mention relevant lab results, e.g., Recent blood work within normal limits.]
Contact Information: Please contact [Sending Nurse’s Name] at [Phone Number] if you have any questions.
Thank you for your attention to this transfer. We appreciate your care of [Patient Name].
Sincerely,
[Sending Facility Name]
Example of Transfer Note Nursing Letter for Transfer to a Rehabilitation Center
Subject: Patient Transfer – [Patient Name], [Medical Record Number]
Dear Rehabilitation Center Admissions,
This email confirms the transfer of [Patient Name], DOB: [Date of Birth], Medical Record Number: [MRN], from [Sending Hospital/Facility Name] to your facility. [Patient Name] is being transferred for intensive rehabilitation following [Reason for transfer, e.g., a stroke].
Medical History:
- Primary Diagnosis: [Diagnosis]
- Past Medical History: [Briefly mention relevant past medical history]
Current Status:
- Vital Signs: [Include recent vital signs]
- Neurological Status: [e.g., Weakness on the right side; able to follow simple commands.]
- Functional Status: [e.g., Requires assistance with all ADLs]
Medications: Please see the attached medication list.
Allergies: [List known allergies]
Therapies: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy are recommended.
Special Instructions: [e.g., Monitor for aspiration risk.]
Contact: Contact me, [Sending Nurse’s Name], at [Phone Number] for any clarification.
Best regards,
[Sending Facility Name]
Example of Transfer Note Nursing Email for Transfer to Another Hospital
Subject: Patient Transfer – [Patient Name], [Medical Record Number]
Dear Receiving Hospital Team,
We are preparing to transfer [Patient Name], DOB: [Date of Birth], Medical Record Number: [MRN], to your facility for a higher level of care regarding [Reason for transfer].
Brief History:
[Patient Name] presented with [Chief Complaint] and was diagnosed with [Diagnosis].
Current Status:
- Vital Signs: [Current vital signs]
- Assessment: [Brief physical assessment findings]
- Labs/Imaging: [Relevant lab results and imaging reports will be sent separately]
Current Medications: (See attached)
Outstanding Issues: [e.g., Needs further investigation of…, awaiting consultation with…]
We will coordinate the transfer with the patient’s transportation and family. Please confirm receipt of this email. Contact me, [Sending Nurse’s Name], at [Phone Number] if you require further information.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Sincerely,
[Sending Facility Name]
Example of Transfer Note Nursing Letter for Pediatric Patient
Subject: Patient Transfer – [Patient Name], [Medical Record Number]
Dear Pediatric Unit,
This letter is to notify you of the transfer of [Patient Name], DOB: [Date of Birth], Medical Record Number: [MRN], to your pediatric unit from [Sending Hospital/Facility Name]. The patient, a [Age]-year-old, is being transferred due to [Reason for transfer, e.g., the need for specialized care for a respiratory infection].
Current Status:
- Vital Signs: Temperature [Temperature], Heart Rate [Heart Rate], Respirations [Respirations], Oxygen Saturation [Oxygen Saturation] on [Oxygen Delivery Method]
- Respiratory: [Describe the patient’s respiratory status, e.g., Wheezing in both lungs, productive cough]
- Hydration: [e.g., Receiving IV fluids at 50 mL/hour]
Medications: Please refer to the attached medication administration record.
Allergies: [List all allergies]
Diet: [e.g., NPO] or [e.g., Tolerating clear liquids]
Family Information: The parents, [Parents’ Names], will be accompanying the patient during the transfer. [Note any specific family concerns or needs.]
Please contact [Sending Nurse’s Name] at [Phone Number] if you require more information or have specific questions.
Thank you for your assistance.
Sincerely,
[Sending Facility Name]
Example of Transfer Note Nursing Email for Mental Health Patient
Subject: Patient Transfer – [Patient Name], [Medical Record Number]
Dear Receiving Mental Health Team,
We are writing to inform you about the transfer of [Patient Name], DOB: [Date of Birth], Medical Record Number: [MRN], to your mental health unit from [Sending Hospital/Facility Name]. The patient is being transferred for ongoing care and treatment for [Reason for transfer, e.g., depression].
Psychiatric History:
[Briefly describe patient’s psychiatric history, previous hospitalizations, and current mental status]
Current Mental Status Examination:
- Appearance: [e.g., Cooperative, well-groomed]
- Mood: [e.g., Anxious]
- Affect: [e.g., Flat]
- Thought Process: [e.g., Linear]
- Suicidal/Homicidal Ideation: [e.g., Denies suicidal or homicidal ideation]
Current Medications: [List medications and dosages]
Last Dosage of Medications: [Last time the medications were administered]
Safety Precautions: [e.g., Patient is on one-to-one observation]
Please contact [Sending Nurse’s Name] at [Phone Number] to discuss the patient’s care.
Sincerely,
[Sending Facility Name]
Example of Transfer Note Nursing Letter for Emergency Department (ED) to Inpatient Unit
Subject: Patient Transfer – [Patient Name], [Medical Record Number]
Dear Inpatient Unit Nursing Staff,
This letter is to inform you of the transfer of [Patient Name], DOB: [Date of Birth], Medical Record Number: [MRN], from our Emergency Department (ED) to your unit. The patient has been admitted due to [Reason for admission, e.g., a suspected pneumonia].
Chief Complaint: [Patient’s chief complaint upon arrival to the ED]
Diagnosis: [Diagnosis from ED]
Current Status:
- Vital Signs: [Current vital signs]
- Assessment: [Relevant findings from the ED assessment]
Medications: [List medications administered in the ED and planned medications]
Diagnostic Results: [List test results, e.g., Chest X-ray showed…]
Procedures: [List any procedures done in the ED]
Please contact [Sending Nurse’s Name] at [Phone Number] with any questions.
Thank you,
[Sending Facility Name – ED]
In conclusion, the Transfer Note Nursing Example is not merely a formality but a critical component of patient care. By providing clear, concise, and accurate information, it enables healthcare providers to deliver seamless and safe care during transitions. The examples provided offer templates that can be adapted to various transfer scenarios, helping nurses communicate effectively and uphold the highest standards of patient care.