In the fast-paced world of healthcare, clear and concise communication is critical, especially during patient transitions. A Transfer Note Nursing Example is a crucial document that ensures a smooth handover of patient care when a patient is moved from one healthcare setting to another. This document provides essential information about the patient’s condition, treatment, and ongoing needs, allowing the receiving medical team to continue providing quality care without interruption.
Key Components of a Transfer Note
A well-written Transfer Note is more than just a formality; it’s a lifeline for continuity of care. It ensures that the new care team is fully informed and can make the best decisions for the patient’s well-being. Here’s a breakdown of the essential elements:
The transfer note usually contains several critical pieces of information. You can think of it like a detailed snapshot of the patient’s health at the time of transfer.
The information provided includes the patient’s current condition, including vital signs and symptoms. It also notes any medications, treatments, and any allergies the patient may have.
It is a good practice to follow a format with specific sections. This could include:
- Patient Demographics: Name, date of birth, medical record number.
- Reason for Transfer: Why is the patient being moved?
- Current Condition: Vital signs, chief complaints, and current assessment.
- Medical History: Relevant past medical conditions and surgeries.
- Medications: A list of all medications, dosages, and times administered.
- Treatments: Ongoing therapies such as wound care or physical therapy.
- Allergies: Known allergies to medications or other substances.
- Code Status: DNR/Full Code information.
- Special Instructions: Any specific needs or considerations.
This detailed information ensures that the receiving healthcare team can immediately understand the patient’s situation and provide the appropriate level of care.
Email Example: Transfer to a Rehabilitation Facility
Subject: Patient Transfer – [Patient Name], Medical Record # [Medical Record Number]
Dear Rehabilitation Facility Team,
This email serves as notification of the transfer of [Patient Name], DOB: [Date of Birth], Medical Record Number: [Medical Record Number], to your facility for rehabilitation services. The patient is being transferred from [Hospital Name/Clinic Name] today, [Date], at approximately [Time].
Here’s a summary of the patient’s current condition and needs:
- Diagnosis: [Primary Diagnosis], [Secondary Diagnosis]
- Current Status: Stable but requires assistance with [Specific Needs – e.g., ambulation, activities of daily living].
- Medications: See attached medication list (or provide a brief summary). Please note any new medications or changes.
- Allergies: [List Allergies]
- Special Instructions: Patient is on a [Dietary Restriction], requires [Specific Therapy, e.g., Speech Therapy], and is at risk for [Fall Risk, Pressure Ulcers].
We have attached the full transfer note with detailed information, including labs, imaging results, and physician orders. Please contact us at [Phone Number] or [Email Address] if you have any questions. We look forward to a successful transition for [Patient Name].
Sincerely,
[Your Name/Nurse’s Name]
[Your Title/Department]
Email Example: Transfer from Emergency Room to Hospital Ward
Subject: Patient Transfer – [Patient Name], Medical Record # [Medical Record Number]
To: [Ward Name] Nursing Staff,
This email is to inform you of the transfer of [Patient Name], DOB: [Date of Birth], MRN: [Medical Record Number] from the Emergency Department to your ward.
Summary of the transfer:
- Arrival time: [Time]
- Reason for admission: [Reason]
- Current condition: [Patient condition, e.g., Stable, requiring oxygen]
- Chief complaint: [Chief complaint]
The patient is currently experiencing [list of symptoms] and receiving [treatment]. The patient’s medications are as follows:
- [Medication Name]: [Dosage] [Route] [Frequency]
- [Medication Name]: [Dosage] [Route] [Frequency]
Attached is the full transfer note with more details. Please contact me at [Your contact information] if you have any questions.
Thank you.
Letter Example: Transfer to a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF)
[Your Hospital Letterhead]
[Date]
Skilled Nursing Facility Name
[SNF Address]
RE: Patient Name: [Patient Name], DOB: [Date of Birth], Medical Record Number: [Medical Record Number]
Dear Admissions Team,
This letter is to inform you of the upcoming transfer of [Patient Name] to your facility for continued skilled nursing care.
Patient Summary:
The patient’s current status:
- Diagnosis: [Diagnosis]
- Condition: [Condition of patient, e.g., Post-operative hip replacement]
- Intervention: [Specific intervention, e.g., Physical therapy, wound care]
Relevant medical history is as follows:
[Summarize important medical history. Include allergies]
Medication List:
| Medication | Dosage | Route | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| [Medication Name] | [Dosage] | [Route] | [Frequency] |
| [Medication Name] | [Dosage] | [Route] | [Frequency] |
Special Instructions: [Diet, Activity Level, Precautions]
Attached you will find the full Transfer Note with comprehensive patient details, including lab results and physician orders.
If you need further information, feel free to call me at [Your Phone Number].
Sincerely,
[Your Name/Nurse’s Name]
[Your Title/Department]
Email Example: Handover to Home Health Care
Subject: Patient Transfer – [Patient Name], Medical Record # [Medical Record Number] – Home Health Referral
Dear Home Health Team,
This email is to notify you about the referral of [Patient Name], DOB: [Date of Birth], MRN: [Medical Record Number] to your home health services. The patient is being discharged home today, [Date].
Patient Summary:
- Diagnosis: [Primary Diagnosis], [Secondary Diagnosis]
- Current Status: [Patient Condition, e.g., Stable, recovering from surgery]
- Medications: Please see the attached medication reconciliation sheet. Please note any changes.
- Treatments: [Details about the treatments, e.g., Wound care, dressing changes]
- Allergies: [List Allergies]
- Home Health Needs: [Describe the needs, e.g., Skilled nursing, physical therapy, medication management]
We have attached the full transfer note which contains full information about the patient, including important medical information, discharge plan, and details for follow-up care. Please contact us at [Phone Number] or [Email Address] if you have any questions.
Best regards,
[Your Name/Nurse’s Name]
[Your Title/Department]
Email Example: Internal Hospital Transfer
Subject: Patient Transfer – [Patient Name], Medical Record # [Medical Record Number] – from [Sending Unit] to [Receiving Unit]
To: [Receiving Unit] Nursing Staff,
This email is to inform you of the internal transfer of [Patient Name], DOB: [Date of Birth], MRN: [Medical Record Number] from [Sending Unit] to your unit.
Here is a summary of the transfer details:
- Transfer Time: [Time]
- Reason for Transfer: [Reason for transfer, e.g., Higher level of care, different specialty needs]
- Current Condition: [Patient condition, e.g., Stable, requiring monitoring]
Medications:
- [Medication Name]: [Dosage] [Route] [Frequency]
- [Medication Name]: [Dosage] [Route] [Frequency]
You can find the full document attached to this email. Please contact me at [Your contact information] if you have any questions.
Thank you.
Letter Example: Transfer from a Hospital to a Hospice Facility
[Your Hospital Letterhead]
[Date]
Hospice Facility Name
[Hospice Address]
RE: Patient Name: [Patient Name], DOB: [Date of Birth], Medical Record Number: [Medical Record Number]
Dear Admissions Team,
This letter is to inform you of the upcoming transfer of [Patient Name] to your facility for hospice care.
The patient’s current status:
- Diagnosis: [Diagnosis]
- Condition: [Condition of patient, e.g., Terminal illness]
- Goals of Care: [Summarize the goals, e.g., Comfort, symptom management]
Relevant medical history is as follows:
[Summarize important medical history. Include allergies]
Medication List:
[Summarize the medication list and special instructions]
Special Instructions: [Specific needs, comfort measures, and preferences, etc.]
Attached you will find the full Transfer Note with all details.
If you need further information, feel free to call me at [Your Phone Number].
Sincerely,
[Your Name/Nurse’s Name]
[Your Title/Department]
In conclusion, the **Transfer Note Nursing Example** is a fundamental document in healthcare, serving as a bridge to ensure continuous and safe patient care during transitions. By including all of the critical information and following a clear, organized format, it empowers healthcare providers to make informed decisions, leading to better outcomes and a smoother experience for the patient. Understanding and utilizing a well-crafted transfer note is a key component of responsible healthcare practice.