In the world of healthcare, clear and concise communication is absolutely crucial. A vital part of this communication is the transfer note. This document acts as a bridge, connecting healthcare providers and ensuring a patient’s safe and informed transition from one care setting to another. We’re going to dive into what makes a good Transfer Note Nursing Example and see some real-world examples of how it’s used. The goal is to understand how these notes work and why they are essential for good patient care.
What Makes a Great Transfer Note?
A well-written transfer note is more than just a formality; it’s a critical tool for patient safety. It provides the new healthcare team with a snapshot of the patient’s condition, medical history, current treatments, and any special needs. This information helps them understand the patient’s story and continue their care seamlessly. A thorough note prevents gaps in treatment and minimizes the chances of errors.
Consider the different elements you should include when writing a transfer note:
- Patient Demographics: Name, date of birth, and medical record number.
- Reason for Transfer: Why is the patient moving to a new setting?
- Medical History: A brief summary of past illnesses and surgeries.
- Current Medications: A complete list, including dosages and times.
- Assessment Findings: Vital signs, physical exam findings, and any relevant lab results.
- Treatments and Procedures: What has been done for the patient?
- Allergies: Known allergies, including reactions.
- Diet and Activity Level: What the patient can eat and do.
- Code Status: DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) or full code.
The importance of a comprehensive transfer note is to avoid medical errors and ensure that the patient continues to receive the care they need without disruption. By including all the essential information, the receiving team is well-equipped to care for the patient immediately upon arrival. Failing to communicate can have very serious consequences, so a well-crafted transfer note is essential.
Email Example: Transfer to Skilled Nursing Facility
Subject: Patient Transfer – Jane Doe, MRN: 1234567
Dear Dr. Smith and the Skilled Nursing Facility Team,
This email is to inform you of the transfer of Jane Doe (DOB: 01/15/1950, MRN: 1234567) to your facility today, October 26, 2024, at 14:00 hours. Jane is being transferred for continued rehabilitation following a hip replacement. Her current condition is stable, but she requires assistance with activities of daily living.
Here’s a summary of her current status:
- Diagnosis: Post-operative hip replacement.
- Medications:
- Lisinopril 10mg PO daily
- Warfarin 2mg PO daily
- Oxycodone 5mg PO q4h PRN pain
- Allergies: Penicillin
- Diet: Regular
- Activity: Weight-bearing as tolerated with assistance.
Please find the full transfer note attached. We will also fax over relevant medical records. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We hope for her speedy recovery.
Sincerely,
Nurse Johnson, RN
Example Hospital
Email Example: Transfer to a Rehabilitation Center
Subject: Patient Transfer – John Smith, MRN: 7654321
Dear Rehabilitation Center Team,
This email serves as notification of the transfer of John Smith (DOB: 05/20/1968, MRN: 7654321) to your facility on October 27, 2024. John is being transferred for intensive physical and occupational therapy following a stroke. He’s currently stable but requires assistance with all ADLs.
Here’s a quick rundown:
- Diagnosis: Stroke with left-sided weakness.
- Medications:
- Aspirin 81mg PO daily
- Atorvastatin 20mg PO daily
- Lantus Insulin 10 units SC qHS
- Allergies: NKDA (No Known Drug Allergies)
- Diet: Dysphagia diet
- Activity: Bed rest with PT/OT per plan
The complete transfer note is attached. Please reach out with any questions.
Best regards,
Nurse Davis, RN
Example Hospital
Letter Example: Transfer from Hospital to Home with Home Health
Date: October 26, 2024
To: Home Health Agency
From: Nurse Miller, RN, Example Hospital
Re: Patient Transfer – Robert Brown, MRN: 9876543
Dear Home Health Team,
This letter is to notify you of the discharge of Robert Brown (DOB: 09/01/1945, MRN: 9876543) from our hospital to his home with home health services, effective today. Robert was admitted for pneumonia, now resolved, and needs continued wound care and medication management.
Here is a summary of Robert’s needs:
- Diagnosis: Resolved pneumonia; chronic wound on left leg.
- Medications:
- Amoxicillin 500mg PO BID
- Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen 5/325mg PO q4h PRN pain
- Wound care supplies as needed
- Allergies: Sulfa
- Diet: Regular
- Activity: Ambulate with walker, as tolerated
Please provide wound care per our protocol and manage his medications, and also monitor for any signs of respiratory distress. A detailed plan of care and full medical history will be sent separately. Feel free to contact us if you require further clarification. Thank you for your assistance.
Sincerely,
Nurse Miller, RN
Example Hospital
Email Example: Transfer to Hospice Care
Subject: Patient Transfer – Mary Green, MRN: 4444444
Dear Hospice Team,
We are writing to inform you about the transfer of Mary Green (DOB: 12/25/1930, MRN: 4444444) to your care on October 28, 2024. Mary is being transferred for hospice care due to end-stage cancer. Her condition is terminal.
Here’s a brief overview:
- Diagnosis: Metastatic cancer.
- Medications:
- Morphine Sulfate 10mg IV q4h PRN pain
- Ondansetron 4mg IV q8h PRN nausea
- Allergies: No known allergies
- Diet: NPO (Nothing by mouth)
- Activity: Comfort care
The full transfer note is attached, please review it carefully. We will provide any additional records as needed. If you have any questions, please reach out to us.
Thank you for your compassion.
Best,
Nurse Evans, RN
Example Hospital
Email Example: Transfer to a Psychiatric Facility
Subject: Patient Transfer – David White, MRN: 3333333
Dear Psychiatric Facility Team,
This email confirms the transfer of David White (DOB: 03/10/1980, MRN: 3333333) to your facility on October 29, 2024. David is being transferred due to a worsening of his depression with suicidal ideation. He is currently on a 5150 hold.
Below is a summary:
- Diagnosis: Major depressive disorder, suicidal ideation.
- Medications:
- Sertraline 100mg PO daily
- Lorazepam 1mg PO PRN anxiety
- Allergies: NKDA
- Diet: Regular
- Activity: As tolerated
The complete transfer note and psychiatric evaluation are attached for your review. If there are any concerns, please let us know.
Sincerely,
Nurse Roberts, RN
Example Hospital
Letter Example: Internal Transfer within a Hospital (ICU to a General Medical Floor)
Date: October 27, 2024
To: Nursing Staff, General Medical Floor
From: Nurse Carter, RN, ICU
Re: Patient Transfer – Sarah Lee, MRN: 1111111
Dear Nursing Staff,
This letter is to inform you of the transfer of Sarah Lee (DOB: 07/04/1960, MRN: 1111111) from the ICU to your floor today. Sarah was admitted for pneumonia and is now stable enough for transfer.
Here’s a summary of her condition:
- Diagnosis: Pneumonia, resolving.
- Medications:
- Ceftriaxone 1g IV q24h (finish in 2 days)
- Albuterol nebulizer q4h PRN shortness of breath
- Allergies: NKDA
- Diet: Regular
- Activity: Ambulating, as tolerated
Further details are included within the transfer note. Please be aware, that she may need continued monitoring. Feel free to call us for any clarification or questions.
Sincerely,
Nurse Carter, RN
ICU
In conclusion, a good Transfer Note Nursing Example is a must-have for safe and effective patient care. It ensures that the patient’s information is shared clearly and efficiently, preventing any gaps in treatment. When transferring a patient, always remember to include all important details, such as medical history, current medications, and any special needs. By following these steps, healthcare professionals can work together to provide the best possible care for patients during their transitions.