In the fast-paced world of healthcare, clear and concise communication is absolutely critical. One crucial tool nurses use to ensure continuity of care is the Transfer Note Nursing Example. This document acts as a bridge, conveying vital patient information from one healthcare provider or setting to another. This essay will explore the essential components of a transfer note and provide several practical examples.
Essential Components of a Transfer Note
A well-crafted transfer note ensures that the receiving healthcare team has the necessary information to continue providing appropriate care. This document typically includes several key elements:
Firstly, it starts with the patient’s basic details. This includes their name, date of birth, medical record number, and any known allergies. Think of it as the patient’s ID card for the new location.
Next, the note summarizes the patient’s current medical condition. It includes the reason for the transfer, a brief history of the illness or injury, and the most recent vital signs and assessment findings. The accuracy of this information is paramount because it helps the new team understand the patient’s current status and any immediate concerns.
Finally, it details any ongoing treatments or interventions. This includes medications (dosage, frequency, and route), IV fluids, wound care instructions, and any special precautions. It also includes any pending tests or procedures and the expected timeline. Consider the following examples:
- Medication list
- Dietary restrictions
- Activity level
Or you might present it as:
- Patient name and date of birth
- Reason for Transfer
- Current status and vital signs
Email Example: Transfer Note for a Patient Moving to a Rehabilitation Facility
Subject: Patient Transfer – John Smith, MRN 12345
Dear Rehabilitation Team,
This email serves as a transfer note for John Smith, DOB 01/15/1950, MRN 12345. Mr. Smith is being transferred to your facility for rehabilitation following a hip replacement.
Reason for Transfer: Post-operative care and physical therapy following a right hip replacement.
Current Status: Alert and oriented. Ambulates with a walker. Vital signs stable (Temp: 98.6°F, BP: 130/80, HR: 78, RR: 16, SpO2: 96% on room air).
Medications:
- Acetaminophen 500mg PO q6h prn pain
- Warfarin 2mg PO daily
- Lisinopril 10mg PO daily
Diet: Regular
Activity: Weight-bearing as tolerated with walker.
Wound Care: Incision site clean and dry. Dressing changed daily.
Pending: Physical Therapy evaluation and assessment.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Nurse Sarah Miller, RN
Email Example: Transfer Note for a Patient Being Transferred from the Emergency Room to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
Subject: Patient Transfer – Emily Carter, MRN 67890
To: ICU Team,
This email is a transfer note for Emily Carter, DOB 03/20/1998, MRN 67890, who is being transferred to the ICU due to respiratory distress and suspected pneumonia.
Reason for Transfer: Respiratory distress, worsening pneumonia, and the need for closer monitoring and potential respiratory support.
Current Status: Patient is experiencing shortness of breath and is using accessory muscles to breathe. Oxygen saturation is 88% on 4L nasal cannula. Patient is anxious and complaining of chest pain.
Assessment:
- BP: 140/90
- HR: 110
- RR: 28
- Temp: 101.5F
Medications:
- Albuterol nebulizer q4h
- IV fluids: NS at 100 ml/hr
- Antibiotics: Ceftriaxone 1g IV q12h
Pending: Chest X-ray, arterial blood gas (ABG).
Contact: Dr. Ramirez at (555) 123-4567 with any questions.
Nurse Johnson, RN
Email Example: Transfer Note for a Patient Discharged to Home with Home Health Services
Subject: Transfer Note – Michael Davis, MRN 11223
To: Home Health Agency,
This email is for Mr. Michael Davis, DOB 12/25/1960, MRN 11223, who is being discharged home with home health services.
Reason for Discharge: Recovering from a fractured left arm. Requires assistance with medication management and wound care.
Current Status: Ambulates independently. Vital signs stable.
Medications:
- Ibuprofen 600mg PO q6h prn pain
- Amoxicillin 500mg PO q8h
Wound Care: Left arm, clean and dry. Change dressing daily. Contact if signs of infection (increased redness, swelling, drainage, fever).
Diet: Regular.
Activity: Avoid heavy lifting with left arm. Encourage gentle range-of-motion exercises as tolerated.
Pending: Follow-up appointment with orthopedic surgeon in 2 weeks.
Please contact if you have any questions. Contact: Dr. Lee at (555) 987-6543
Nurse Anderson, RN
Letter Example: Transfer Note from a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) to a Hospital
Date: October 26, 2024
To: Admitting Physician, St. Jude’s Hospital
From: Nurse Manager, Golden Age Nursing Home
Subject: Patient Transfer – Robert Jones, MRN 10112
Dear Physician,
This letter serves as a transfer note for Robert Jones, DOB 08/10/1935, MRN 10112, who is being transferred to your facility.
Reason for Transfer: Worsening shortness of breath, and chest pain. Possible cardiac event.
Current Status: Complaining of chest pain, dyspnea on exertion.
- BP: 160/90
- HR: 115
- RR: 30
- Temp: 98.9
- Oxygen Saturation: 85% on room air.
Medications:
- Aspirin 81mg PO daily
- Metoprolol 25mg PO bid
- Furosemide 20mg PO daily
Diet: Cardiac.
Activity: Bed rest.
Pending: ECG, Cardiac enzyme levels.
Please contact us with any questions. The patient’s primary physician is Dr. Evans, and can be reached at (555) 246-8010.
Sincerely,
Nurse Manager, RN
Email Example: Transfer Note for a Pediatric Patient Transferred to a Specialty Clinic
Subject: Patient Transfer – Lily Brown, MRN 22334
To: Dr. Chen, Pediatric Cardiology Clinic,
This email is to inform you of Lily Brown, DOB 07/04/2019, MRN 22334, who is being transferred to your clinic.
Reason for Transfer: Further evaluation of a heart murmur and chest pain.
Current Status: Lily is a cheerful 5-year-old child, currently stable and showing no signs of distress.
Medications:
- None
History: The patient experienced episodes of chest pain.
Diagnostics and assessments performed: Chest X-ray, complete blood count, and echocardiogram.
Pending: Cardiology consult.
Please feel free to contact me at (555) 789-0123 with any questions.
Thank you,
Nurse Peterson, RN
Email Example: Transfer Note for a Patient to Hospice Care
Subject: Patient Transfer – David Miller, MRN 33445
To: Hospice Care Team,
This email serves as a transfer note for David Miller, DOB 04/20/1955, MRN 33445, who is being transferred to your care.
Reason for Transfer: End-of-life care due to advanced stage cancer.
Current Status: The patient is bedridden, with signs of fatigue.
Medications:
- Morphine Sulfate 2mg IV q4h prn pain
- Ondansetron 4mg PO q8h prn nausea
- Lorazepam 0.5mg PO q8h prn anxiety
Advance Directives: The patient has a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) order.
Family: Present are his wife, Susan, and daughter, Emily.
Please reach out to us if you have any questions. Our contact is Dr. Jane Doe at (555) 369-1212.
Thank you,
Nurse Williams, RN
Email Example: Transfer Note for a Psychiatric Patient Being Transferred to a Mental Health Facility
Subject: Patient Transfer – Michael Jones, MRN 44556
To: Mental Health Facility,
This is a transfer note for Michael Jones, DOB 09/18/1988, MRN 44556, being transferred to your facility for mental health care.
Reason for Transfer: Suicidal ideations and behavior.
Current Status: The patient is agitated, but cooperative.
Medications:
- Sertraline 100mg PO daily
- Quetiapine 25mg PO bid
History: History of depression.
Assessment: The patient’s behavior is inconsistent.
Pending: Psychiatric assessment, medication adjustments.
Please contact Dr. Brown at (555) 888-7777 if you have any questions.
Best regards,
Nurse Davis, RN
In conclusion, the **Transfer Note Nursing Example** serves as a vital tool in healthcare. By understanding its essential components and using these examples as a guide, nurses can contribute to safe, efficient, and coordinated patient care across various settings. Remember, clear communication and accurate information are keys to successful patient transitions.