Transfer of the patient to another unit

Transfer of the patient to another unit is done for several reasons.

Procedure
• Explain the transfer to the client and the family
• Assemble all the client’s personal belongings, charts, x-films and lab reports. Double check for all other cloths and materials.
• Determine how the client is moved
• Provide for client safety. Take measures to accommodate IV bottles, drains and catheters. Protect the client from draft, and cover the client with a blanket for warmth and privacy.
• Collect all the client medications; IV bags tube feedings, and so forth. Check the cardex or medication administration record for accuracy.
• Review the client’s health records and check for completeness.
• Record the transfer in a transfer note. Give the time, the unit to which the transfer occurs, types of transportation (wheelchair, stretcher), and the cleint’s physical and psychological condition
• Make sure that the receiving unit is ready. Usually a short verbal report is given to the reciving department nurse.