As an HR Manager, I often encounter situations where clear communication is key, especially in healthcare. One crucial document in nursing is the Transfer Note. This article provides a detailed Transfer Note Nursing Example, explaining its importance and offering examples to guide effective communication in various scenarios.
Understanding the Importance of the Transfer Note
The Transfer Note is a vital document used in healthcare. It’s a concise summary of a patient’s condition, treatment, and needs when they are transferred from one care setting to another – for instance, from the emergency room to a ward, or from one hospital to a rehabilitation center. This note ensures a smooth transition of care and prevents critical information from being missed. The effective use of a Transfer Note can directly impact patient safety and the quality of care received.
Here are some key components typically found in a Transfer Note:
- Patient Demographics: Name, date of birth, medical record number.
- Reason for Transfer: Why the patient is being moved.
- Current Condition: Vital signs, symptoms, and any active issues.
- Treatment Summary: Medications, procedures, and ongoing treatments.
- Allergies: Known allergies to medications or other substances.
- Code Status: DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) or full code status.
- Pending Tests/Results: Any outstanding tests or results needed.
- Contact Information: Contact details for the sending and receiving facilities/staff.
A well-written Transfer Note helps the receiving healthcare team quickly understand the patient’s history and needs. It saves time and ensures that the patient receives appropriate care without delay. Think of it like a quick cheat sheet for the new team! It is important to include information in a clear and concise format.
Email Example: Transfer to a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF)
Subject: Patient Transfer – [Patient Name], [Medical Record Number]
Dear [Receiving SNF Staff/Nurse Name],
This email serves as notification of the transfer of [Patient Name], DOB: [Date of Birth], Medical Record Number: [Medical Record Number], from [Sending Hospital/Facility] to your facility, effective [Date/Time].
Reason for Transfer: Patient requires ongoing rehabilitation and skilled nursing care following a [brief description of medical condition].
Current Condition:
- Alert and oriented x3
- Stable vital signs: Temp [Temperature], BP [Blood Pressure], HR [Heart Rate], RR [Respiratory Rate], SpO2 [Oxygen Saturation]
- Complaining of mild pain in [location], rated 3/10.
Treatment Summary:
- Medications: [List medications with dosages and frequency]
- Wound care: [Describe wound care plan]
- Physical therapy: [Scheduled days/times]
Allergies: [List allergies – e.g., NKDA (No Known Drug Allergies) or list specific allergies]
Code Status: Full Code
Pending Tests/Results: [List any pending tests, e.g., Follow up on X-ray results]
Contact Information: Please feel free to contact us at [Phone Number] if you have any questions. Our contact person is [Nurse’s Name].
Sincerely,
[Sending Nurse’s Name/Facility Name]
Email Example: Transfer from Emergency Department (ED) to Inpatient Ward
Subject: Patient Transfer – [Patient Name], [Medical Record Number] from ED to [Ward Name]
Dear [Receiving Nurse/Ward Staff],
This email informs you of the transfer of [Patient Name], DOB: [Date of Birth], Medical Record Number: [Medical Record Number], from the Emergency Department to your ward, effective [Date/Time].
Reason for Transfer: [Briefly describe the reason for admission – e.g., Pneumonia, Chest Pain, etc.]
Current Condition:
- Patient is [Stable/Unstable].
- Vital signs: Temp [Temperature], BP [Blood Pressure], HR [Heart Rate], RR [Respiratory Rate], SpO2 [Oxygen Saturation].
- Patient is complaining of [Symptoms].
Treatment Summary:
- Currently on [Medications].
- [Procedures performed in ED].
Allergies: [List allergies or NKDA]
Code Status: [Full code, DNR, etc.]
Pending Tests/Results: [List pending tests, e.g., Chest X-Ray results pending.]
Contact Information: The ED nurse, [Nurse’s Name], can be reached at [Phone Number].
Thank you for your assistance in this patient’s care.
Sincerely,
[Emergency Department Staff Name/Title]
Email Example: Transfer of a Pediatric Patient
Subject: Patient Transfer – [Child’s Name], [Medical Record Number] – Pediatric Patient
Dear [Receiving Nurse/Physician],
This email is to inform you of the transfer of [Child’s Name], DOB: [Date of Birth], Medical Record Number: [Medical Record Number], from [Sending Hospital/Facility] to your care, effective [Date/Time].
Reason for Transfer: [Briefly describe the reason, e.g., Pneumonia, Asthma exacerbation].
Current Condition:
- Alert and oriented, but [describe current behavior, e.g., fussy, lethargic].
- Vital signs: Temp [Temperature], BP [Blood Pressure], HR [Heart Rate], RR [Respiratory Rate], SpO2 [Oxygen Saturation].
- [Specific symptoms, e.g., Wheezing, Coughing].
Treatment Summary:
- Medications: [List medications with dosages and frequency]
- [Respiratory support, e.g., Nebulizer treatments, Oxygen therapy].
- [Specific procedures, e.g., IV insertion].
Allergies: [List allergies or NKDA]
Code Status: Full Code
Pending Tests/Results: [List pending tests, e.g., Blood work results pending.]
Important Notes: [Include any important details, e.g., child’s parents’ contact information, special needs or preferences]
Contact Information: Please contact [Sending Nurse’s Name] at [Phone Number] with any questions.
Sincerely,
[Sending Facility/Name]
Email Example: Transfer to a Psychiatric Facility
Subject: Patient Transfer – [Patient Name], [Medical Record Number] – Psychiatric Transfer
Dear [Receiving Psychiatric Facility Staff],
This email confirms the transfer of [Patient Name], DOB: [Date of Birth], Medical Record Number: [Medical Record Number], to your facility, effective [Date/Time].
Reason for Transfer: The patient requires a higher level of care due to [brief description of the psychiatric condition, e.g., suicidal ideation, severe depression].
Current Condition:
- Level of Consciousness: [Alert, confused, etc.]
- Mental Status: [Brief description, e.g., anxious, agitated, withdrawn].
- Vital signs: Temp [Temperature], BP [Blood Pressure], HR [Heart Rate], RR [Respiratory Rate], SpO2 [Oxygen Saturation].
Treatment Summary:
- Medications: [List medications with dosages and frequency, including psychotropic medications]
- [Current interventions, e.g., one-to-one observation]
Allergies: [List allergies or NKDA]
Code Status: Full Code
Important Notes: [Include any history of suicidal attempts, current risk factors, and any specific care instructions.]
Contact Information: Contact [Sending Nurse’s Name] at [Phone Number] for further information.
Sincerely,
[Sending Facility/Name]
Email Example: Transfer with Wound Care Instructions
Subject: Transfer – [Patient Name], [Medical Record Number] – Wound Care Instructions
Dear [Receiving Nurse/Staff],
This email is to inform you of the transfer of [Patient Name], DOB: [Date of Birth], Medical Record Number: [Medical Record Number], to your care, effective [Date/Time].
Reason for Transfer: The patient requires ongoing care following [describe the reason – e.g., surgery, wound infection].
Current Condition:
- Stable.
- Wound located on [body part].
- Wound description: [Describe wound – size, depth, appearance].
Treatment Summary:
- Wound Care: [Detailed wound care instructions, including type of dressing, frequency of changes, and any special procedures].
- Medications: [List relevant medications, especially antibiotics or pain medication].
Allergies: [List or NKDA]
Code Status: [Code status]
Important Notes: [Any relevant observations, e.g., patient’s pain level, wound drainage.]
Contact Information: [Contact information for any questions]
Sincerely,
[Sending Nurse/Facility]
Email Example: Transfer with Isolation Precautions
Subject: Transfer – [Patient Name], [Medical Record Number] – Isolation Precautions Required
Dear [Receiving Staff/Facility],
This email serves as notification of the transfer of [Patient Name], DOB: [Date of Birth], Medical Record Number: [Medical Record Number], from [Sending Facility] to your care, effective [Date/Time].
Reason for Transfer: [Explain the reason for the transfer].
Current Condition:
- Patient has been diagnosed with [Diagnosis].
- Requires [Type of isolation – e.g., Contact Precautions, Droplet Precautions, Airborne Precautions].
Treatment Summary:
- Medications: [List relevant medications]
Allergies: [List allergies or NKDA]
Code Status: [Code status]
Isolation Precautions:
- [Specify isolation procedures: e.g., wear gown, gloves, and mask upon entry, hand hygiene]
Contact Information: [Contact information for any questions]
Sincerely,
[Sending Nurse/Facility]
In conclusion, the Transfer Note Nursing Example is a crucial tool for ensuring safe and effective patient care. By understanding its key components and using the provided examples, healthcare professionals can communicate patient information clearly, efficiently, and ultimately, provide the best possible care. Remember, clear communication is essential for the well-being of the patient!