When a patient moves from one care setting to another, clear and concise communication is absolutely vital. This is where a well-written Transfer Note Nursing Example becomes an indispensable tool for healthcare professionals. It ensures continuity of care, prevents potential errors, and ultimately contributes to better patient outcomes. This article will explore what a Transfer Note Nursing Example entails and provide practical examples to illustrate its importance.
Understanding the Purpose of a Transfer Note Nursing Example
A Transfer Note Nursing Example serves as a bridge between different healthcare providers or units, ensuring that all essential information about a patient is accurately and efficiently conveyed. It's more than just a formality; it's a critical document for patient safety and effective care coordination. Without a standardized and comprehensive note, vital details could be missed, leading to confusion, delays, or even adverse events. Think of it as a handover report that captures the patient's current status, relevant history, and immediate needs.
The key components typically found in a Transfer Note Nursing Example include:
- Patient demographics
- Reason for transfer
- Patient's current condition
- Vital signs
- Medications administered and due
- Recent assessments and findings
- Any special instructions or precautions
- Patient's response to treatment
To further illustrate, consider this simplified table that might be part of a comprehensive note:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Allergies | Penicillin (rash) |
| Activity Level | Ambulates with assistance |
| Diet | Regular, NPO after midnight |
Transfer Note Nursing Example: From Hospital to Skilled Nursing Facility
Subject: Patient Transfer - [Patient Name] - Room [Room Number]
Dear Skilled Nursing Facility Team,
This email serves as the transfer note for patient [Patient Name], DOB [Patient DOB], MRN [Patient MRN]. [Patient Name] is being transferred from [Hospital Name] to your facility today, [Date], at approximately [Time].
Reason for transfer: Post-operative recovery following [Procedure Name] for [Diagnosis]. Patient is medically stable and requires ongoing rehabilitation and skilled nursing care.
Current condition: Alert and oriented x3. Vitals: BP [BP], HR [HR], RR [RR], Temp [Temp], SpO2 [SpO2] on [Oxygen Delivery Method]. Pain level reported as [Pain Score]/10, managed with [Pain Medication] PRN. Dressing to [Surgical Site] is clean, dry, and intact. No signs of infection observed.
Medications: Patient is on [List of current medications with dosages and frequency]. Last dose of [Specific Medication] administered at [Time]. Patient is due for [Next Medication] at [Time]. Please refer to the attached MAR for a complete medication list.
Recent assessments: [Brief summary of any significant findings from recent assessments, e.g., mobility, continence, skin integrity].
Special instructions: Patient is to remain on [Diet Type] diet. Mobilize with physical therapy as tolerated. Monitor for signs of wound infection and pain exacerbation. Fall precautions are in place.
We have provided a copy of the patient's discharge summary and latest physician orders with the patient. Please do not hesitate to contact us at [Phone Number] if you have any questions or require further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name/Unit Name]
[Hospital Name]
Transfer Note Nursing Example: Between Hospital Units (e.g., ICU to Medical Floor)
Subject: Inter-Unit Transfer - [Patient Name] - ICU to [Floor Name]
To the [Floor Name] Nursing Staff,
This note is to inform you of the transfer of [Patient Name], DOB [Patient DOB], MRN [Patient MRN], from the ICU to your unit today, [Date], at approximately [Time].
Reason for transfer: Patient has met ICU discharge criteria and no longer requires the level of intensive monitoring. Transitioning to a general medical floor for continued recovery from [Diagnosis/Condition].
Current condition: Stable. Vitals: BP [BP], HR [HR], RR [RR], Temp [Temp], SpO2 [SpO2] on room air. No longer requiring vasoactive drips or mechanical ventilation. Patient is awake, alert, and able to follow commands. Pain well-controlled on oral analgesics.
Key events in ICU: Patient experienced [Brief mention of significant events, e.g., a brief episode of tachycardia, a positive response to a medication]. Stabilized with [Intervention].
Medications: Patient will continue [List of key medications]. New medications ordered on the floor will be entered into the system. Please ensure accurate administration of [Specific Medication] as it is a critical component of their treatment.
Special instructions: Continue with strict I&O monitoring. Encourage early ambulation. Consultations with [Specialty Consults] are ongoing. Patient's family is aware of the transfer and is en route.
Thank you for your continued care.
Regards,
[ICU Nurse Name]
ICU, [Hospital Name]
Transfer Note Nursing Example: From Home Health to Hospital Admission
Subject: Patient Admission - [Patient Name] - From Home Health
To the Admissions Team,
This is a transfer note for [Patient Name], DOB [Patient DOB], who is being admitted to our hospital today, [Date], from their home. The home health nurse, [Home Health Nurse Name] from [Home Health Agency Name], has provided the following information.
Reason for admission: Acute onset of [Symptoms, e.g., shortness of breath, severe abdominal pain, fever]. Patient has been experiencing these symptoms for [Duration] and their condition has worsened.
Current condition (as reported by home health): Patient is exhibiting [Brief description of current state, e.g., appears fatigued, has difficulty breathing when lying down, is unable to tolerate oral intake]. Vital signs were last taken at [Time] and were [Vital Signs].
Relevant medical history: Patient has a history of [Relevant past medical history, e.g., COPD, CHF, diabetes].
Medications at home: Patient is currently taking [List of home medications]. Home health last administered [Specific Medication] at [Time].
Next steps: Please ensure a thorough assessment is performed upon arrival. Family has been contacted and is aware of the admission.
Thank you,
[Home Health Nurse Name]
[Home Health Agency Name]
Transfer Note Nursing Example: From Hospital to Rehabilitation Facility
Subject: Patient Transfer to Rehab - [Patient Name] - MRN [Patient MRN]
Dear Rehabilitation Facility,
This letter provides the transfer note for [Patient Name], DOB [Patient DOB], who is being transferred from [Hospital Name] to your facility on [Date] at approximately [Time].
Reason for transfer: Post-operative recovery from [Procedure Name] due to [Diagnosis]. Patient requires intensive physical and occupational therapy to regain independence and functional mobility.
Current condition: Alert and cooperative. Vitals: BP [BP], HR [HR], RR [RR], Temp [Temp], SpO2 [SpO2]. Pain is managed with oral medication, with good effect. Wound healing is progressing well. Patient is able to transfer with [Assistive Device/Level of Assist].
Goals of therapy: The primary goals for rehabilitation include:
- Improve lower extremity strength
- Enhance balance and gait stability
- Increase independence with activities of daily living (ADLs)
- Educate patient and family on home exercise program
Medications: A full medication list will be provided with the patient. Key medications to note include [List of critical medications, e.g., anticoagulants, pain medications].
Special considerations: Patient may require [Specific considerations, e.g., assistance with meal preparation, monitoring for blood clots].
We look forward to a successful rehabilitation journey for [Patient Name].
Sincerely,
[Hospital Nurse Name]
[Hospital Name]
Transfer Note Nursing Example: From Emergency Department to Inpatient Unit
Subject: ED to Inpatient Transfer - [Patient Name] - [Diagnosis]
To the [Unit Name] Nursing Staff,
This notification is for the transfer of [Patient Name], DOB [Patient DOB], MRN [Patient MRN], from the Emergency Department to your unit today, [Date], at approximately [Time].
Reason for transfer: Patient presented to the ED with [Chief Complaint and brief timeline]. After evaluation and diagnostic testing, inpatient admission is warranted for management of [Diagnosis].
ED Assessment Findings:
- Vital Signs: BP [BP], HR [HR], RR [RR], Temp [Temp], SpO2 [SpO2] on [Oxygen].
- Physical Exam: Findings significant for [Key findings from ED exam].
- Laboratory Results: Key results include [Mention of critical labs, e.g., elevated WBC, low hemoglobin].
- Imaging: [Brief summary of imaging findings, e.g., Chest X-ray showed pneumonia].
Treatment in ED: Patient received [List of treatments administered in ED, e.g., IV fluids, antibiotics, pain medication]. Patient is [Response to treatment, e.g., reporting mild relief, still experiencing symptoms].
Current Plan: Admission to your unit for continued [Treatment plan, e.g., IV antibiotic therapy, symptom management, further observation].
Please review the attached ED record for comprehensive details.
Thank you,
[ED Nurse Name]
Emergency Department, [Hospital Name]
Transfer Note Nursing Example: From Inpatient to Outpatient Clinic Appointment
Subject: Follow-up Appointment Notes - [Patient Name]
Dear [Clinic Name] Team,
This email provides a brief summary of [Patient Name]'s recent inpatient stay, DOB [Patient DOB], MRN [Patient MRN], who is scheduled for an outpatient appointment with you on [Date] at [Time].
Reason for hospitalization: Patient was admitted for [Diagnosis/Condition]. They have now been discharged and are returning to their baseline health status.
Key aspects of inpatient care:
- Treatment provided: [Briefly mention key treatments, e.g., course of IV antibiotics, management of a specific symptom].
- Patient's response: Patient responded well to treatment and is now medically stable for outpatient follow-up.
- Discharge medications: Patient has been discharged with a prescription for [List of discharge medications].
Specific instructions for your visit:
- Please review the attached discharge summary for a comprehensive overview of the hospitalization.
- Monitor for any signs of [Specific concerns, e.g., infection, recurrence of symptoms].
- Assess patient's understanding of their home management plan.
We appreciate your continued care for [Patient Name].
Best regards,
[Hospital Nurse Name]
[Hospital Name]
Transfer Note Nursing Example: Pediatric Transfer to Another Facility
Subject: Pediatric Transfer - [Child's Name] - [Age] - [Reason for Transfer]
To the Receiving Pediatric Team,
This is the transfer note for [Child's Name], DOB [Child's DOB], MRN [Child's MRN], a [Child's Age]-year-old patient being transferred from [Current Facility] to your facility on [Date] at approximately [Time].
Reason for transfer: [Clear and concise reason, e.g., requiring specialized pediatric cardiac surgery, complex medical management not available at current facility].
Current Condition:
- Vitals: BP [BP], HR [HR], RR [RR], Temp [Temp], SpO2 [SpO2] on [Oxygen].
- General Appearance: [Description, e.g., alert, comfortable, appearing slightly dyspneic].
- Specifics: [Mention any critical findings, e.g., cardiac murmur present, significant rash].
Key Events/Treatments: Patient has received [List of key treatments, e.g., specific medications, breathing treatments, IV fluids]. No adverse reactions noted.
Family Information: Parents/Guardians [Names] are [with the patient/following separately]. They are aware of the transfer and the reason for it.
Special Considerations: Please note any allergies, dietary restrictions, or specific comfort measures for the child.
We have provided all pertinent medical records with the patient. Please contact us at [Phone Number] with any urgent questions.
Sincerely,
[Pediatric Nurse Name]
[Current Facility]
Transfer Note Nursing Example: Transfer for Diagnostic Testing
Subject: Patient Transfer for Diagnostic Imaging - [Patient Name]
To the Radiology Department,
This note is for the transfer of [Patient Name], DOB [Patient DOB], MRN [Patient MRN], from [Current Unit/Location] to your department today, [Date], at approximately [Time] for diagnostic imaging.
Reason for transfer: Scheduled [Type of Scan, e.g., CT scan of the abdomen, MRI of the brain] to further evaluate [Reason for scan].
Patient Status:
- Consciousness: [Alert/Drowsy/Unresponsive].
- Mobility: [Ambulatory/Requires wheelchair/Requires stretcher].
- Current IV access: [Location and gauge of IV, if applicable].
-
Medications: Patient has had their usual morning medications.
Special Instructions:
- NPO status: Patient is NPO after midnight/for [Number] hours prior to the scan.
- Contrast dye: Please ensure the patient has no known allergies to contrast dye.
- Sedation: If sedation is required, please follow the protocol for [Type of Sedation].
Please ensure all safety protocols are followed during the procedure. We will be awaiting the patient's return to [Current Unit/Location].
Thank you,
[Nurse Name]
[Current Unit/Location]
Transfer Note Nursing Example: Transfer Between Hospital and Hospice Care
Subject: Transition to Hospice Care - [Patient Name]
Dear Hospice Team,
This email serves as the transfer note for [Patient Name], DOB [Patient DOB], MRN [Patient MRN], who is transitioning from our care at [Hospital Name] to hospice services at home/in hospice facility on [Date] at approximately [Time].
Reason for transfer: Patient's prognosis has advanced, and the focus of care is shifting to comfort and quality of life. Patient and family have elected to pursue hospice care.
Current Condition:
- Patient's primary symptoms are [List key symptoms, e.g., pain, dyspnea, nausea].
- Current pain level is [Pain Score]/10, managed with [Pain Management Plan].
- Patient is experiencing [Other symptom management needs, e.g., anxiety, skin breakdown].
Goals of Care: The primary goals are symptom management, pain control, emotional support for the patient and family, and preserving dignity.
Medications:
- Patient will be transitioned to hospice-prescribed comfort medications.
- Please review the attached medication list for current home medications that may need to be continued or discontinued.
Special Instructions:
- Patient's family is actively involved and supportive.
- Please coordinate with the family regarding any specific wishes or preferences.
- We have provided discharge instructions and a summary of the patient's hospital stay.
We wish [Patient Name] and their family peace and comfort during this time. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.
Sincerely,
[Hospital Nurse Name]
[Hospital Name]
In conclusion, the Transfer Note Nursing Example is a fundamental element of safe and effective healthcare. By consistently employing clear, detailed, and timely transfer notes, nurses and other healthcare professionals can ensure seamless transitions for patients, minimize risks, and foster a collaborative environment that prioritizes patient well-being.