In healthcare, communication is key, especially when patients are moving between different care settings. That’s where a Transfer Note Nursing Example comes in. It’s a crucial document that ensures a smooth handover of a patient’s care from one nurse or team to another. This essay will break down what a transfer note is, why it’s important, and look at some practical examples of how these notes can be used in different situations.
What is a Transfer Note?
A transfer note is a written summary of a patient’s current condition, treatment, and needs. It’s used when a patient is transferred from one place to another, such as from the emergency room to a hospital ward, from a hospital to a nursing home, or even between different shifts of nurses. This document helps the receiving healthcare providers quickly understand the patient’s situation and continue their care without missing any important details. Think of it like passing a baton in a relay race; the transfer note ensures nothing gets dropped.
Here are some key pieces of information typically included in a transfer note:
- Patient’s demographics (name, date of birth, etc.)
- Reason for admission or transfer
- Current medical history and medications
- Recent vital signs and physical assessment findings
- Any ongoing treatments, such as wound care or IV fluids
- Code status (e.g., full code, DNR – do not resuscitate)
- Any special needs or considerations (e.g., dietary restrictions, allergies)
The importance of a well-written transfer note cannot be overstated. A poorly written note can lead to errors in medication administration, missed treatments, and a delay in providing the necessary care. This could potentially put a patient at risk.
Here’s a small example of what information it provides:
| Information | Example |
|---|---|
| Chief Complaint | Chest pain |
| Medications | Aspirin 81mg PO daily, Lisinopril 10mg PO daily |
| Allergies | NKDA (No Known Drug Allergies) |
Email Example: Transferring Patient from ER to a Ward
Subject: Transfer Note – John Doe, DOB: 03/15/2005
Dear Nurse Jones,
This email is to inform you that we are transferring John Doe, a 19-year-old male, from the Emergency Room to your ward. He presented with a broken leg after a fall from a skateboard. He’s currently stable.
Here’s a quick summary:
- Chief Complaint: Broken left tibia
- Medications: Morphine 2mg IV q2h PRN for pain
- Allergies: NKDA
- Vitals: BP 120/80, HR 80, RR 16, SpO2 98% on room air
He received a cast and is awaiting further evaluation from the orthopedic specialist. Please continue monitoring his pain levels and administering pain medication as needed. We’ve provided the cast and medications. The orthopedic team will follow up regarding potential surgery. A full transfer note is available in the patient’s chart.
Please let me know if you have any questions. Thank you for your assistance in providing care for this patient!
Sincerely,
Nurse Ramirez
Email Example: Transferring Patient from ICU to a Regular Ward
Subject: Transfer Note – Sarah Miller, DOB: 08/22/1980
Dear Nurse Williams,
This email notifies you of the transfer of Sarah Miller from the ICU to your ward. She was admitted for severe pneumonia but is now stable and ready for step-down care.
Here’s a rundown:
- Diagnosis: Pneumonia, resolving
- Medications: Ceftriaxone 1g IV q24h, Albuterol nebulizer q4h PRN
- Diet: Regular diet as tolerated
- Precautions: Droplet precautions until further notice
- Oxygen: Room air, SpO2 maintained above 92%
She still requires IV antibiotics and nebulizer treatments. The full details are in the transfer note in the patient’s chart. She’s also getting better with physical therapy to help rebuild her strength. The patient’s family is fully informed about this transfer. Please monitor her respiratory status closely.
Please contact me with any questions. Thank you!
Best regards,
Nurse Chen
Email Example: Transferring a Patient to a Nursing Home
Subject: Transfer Note – Robert Smith, DOB: 11/10/1945
Dear Admissions Team, [Nursing Home Name],
This email is to provide a transfer note for Robert Smith, who is being discharged from our hospital to your facility. He has a history of congestive heart failure and is being transferred for continued rehabilitation and skilled nursing care.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Medical History: Congestive Heart Failure, Hypertension, Diabetes
- Medications: Furosemide 40mg PO daily, Metoprolol 25mg PO BID, Insulin (as per sliding scale)
- Diet: Cardiac diet, fluid restriction of 1500 mL per day
- Ambulation: Requires assistance with ambulation. PT and OT will continue.
- Wound Care: Pressure ulcer on sacrum; wound care instructions provided in the attached document.
He is able to speak for himself and his family is completely informed. The full transfer note, including detailed medication lists, and nursing care plans, are attached.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions. We thank you for continuing his care.
Sincerely,
Nurse Davis
Email Example: Transferring a Patient Between Day and Night Shifts
Subject: Shift Handover – Emily Carter, DOB: 06/05/1992
Good Evening Nurse Miller,
This is a handover regarding Emily Carter, currently admitted for observation. She is recovering well after surgery.
- Assessment: Stable, pain managed with oral medication.
- Wounds: Incision site clean and dry, dressing change daily.
- Medication: Continue pain medication as prescribed and administer antibiotics.
- Diet: Regular diet as tolerated.
- Activity: Up and about with assistance, encourage ambulation.
No new developments during the day. I have given her pain meds, and she is ready to sleep. She will also need her regular medications in the morning. I have left a detailed note in her chart with all the recent vitals and findings. Please monitor her pain levels throughout the night and notify the doctor if there is any change in condition.
Let me know if there’s any need for clarification, and have a good night.
Best,
Nurse Lee
Email Example: Transferring a Patient with a Known Allergy
Subject: Patient Transfer Alert – David Brown, DOB: 04/04/1975 – Penicillin Allergy
Dear Nurse Rodriguez,
This email serves to inform you of the transfer of David Brown. He is transferred with a very clear allergy to penicillin. This is important for his ongoing treatment.
Key details regarding his allergies:
- Allergy: Penicillin
- Reaction: Hives and difficulty breathing
- Current Medications: Ensure no penicillin-based antibiotics are prescribed.
- Important Notes: Please check all new orders against the allergy list.
The full transfer note is in the patient’s chart. Please make sure all medications and any care plans are checked and reviewed. Please notify a doctor immediately if there is any doubt.
Thank you for your attention to this very important detail. We need to ensure that David gets the best care.
Sincerely,
Nurse Garcia
Email Example: Transferring a Patient with Specific Dietary Needs
Subject: Transfer Note – Maria Lopez, DOB: 09/12/1960 – Diabetic Diet
Dear Nurse Thompson,
This email notifies you of Maria Lopez’s transfer, and she requires a diabetic diet.
Key details regarding her dietary needs:
- Diet: Diabetic diet, portion control.
- Blood Sugar: Monitor blood sugar levels before meals.
- Medication: Insulin before meals.
- Important Notes: Please be careful when her meals come.
She needs a regular diabetic diet with insulin before meals. Please make sure she is getting her proper meals.
Thank you for making this a top priority!
Sincerely,
Nurse Johnson
Email Example: Transferring a Patient Requiring Isolation Precautions
Subject: Transfer Alert: Michael Jones, DOB: 02/28/1995 – Contact Precautions
Dear Nurse Anderson,
This email is to alert you of the transfer of Michael Jones who requires contact precautions.
Here is a summary of requirements:
- Precautions: Contact Precautions
- Diagnosis: MRSA
- Protective Equipment: Gloves and gowns are required.
- Important Notes: Please check all patients who enter the room, for their safety.
Please make sure everyone in the room knows what the needs are.
Sincerely,
Nurse Williams
In conclusion, a **Transfer Note Nursing Example** is more than just a document; it’s a vital tool for ensuring patient safety and continuity of care. By providing a clear and concise overview of a patient’s status, history, and needs, these notes empower healthcare providers to deliver the best possible care during transitions. Understanding the components of a well-written transfer note, along with how to effectively communicate this information, is a fundamental skill for any nursing professional. The examples provided above give you a good look at some real-world situations and how transfer notes are used. So, the next time you hear about a patient transfer, remember the critical role that the transfer note plays in that patient’s journey to recovery.