Occupational Therapist – Acute Care

Vanderbilt University Medical Center • Nashville, TN

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) is seeking a Full-Time Occupational Therapist – Acute Care to join their rehabilitation team in Nashville, Tennessee. This role is ideal for clinicians with prior acute care or inpatient experience who are looking to advance their practice in a nationally recognized academic medical center and Level 1 Trauma Center. The Occupational Therapist will provide occupational therapy services to patients who have impairments, developmental disabilities, functional limitations, disabilities, or changes in physical function and health status resulting from injury, disease or other causes with some guidance. They will actively collaborate with the health care/educational team to meet patient care, outcomes and system improvement objectives. The position involves providing evidence-based evaluations and interventions for medically complex hospitalized patients across diverse settings, including ICU, surgical units, and emergency services. Responsibilities include collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to develop individualized plans of care, educating patients and caregivers on functional independence and safe discharge planning, and documenting care and outcomes in compliance with hospital and regulatory standards. The role also involves participating in quality improvement and departmental initiatives.

Requirements

• Licensed Occupational Therapist or eligible for licensure in the state of Tennessee
• Doctorate degree
• Relevant Work Experience
• Less than 1 year of experience
• Strong communication skills and commitment to interdisciplinary, patient-centered care

Nice To Haves

• Prior acute care or inpatient experience preferred

Responsibilities

• Analyzes comprehensive information from formal and informal assessment that is pertinent to the patient's care and management to determine a rehabilitation treatment diagnosis.
• Collaborates with stakeholders in establishing the plan of care, coordinates and implements care delivery while anticipating patient care needs across the rehabilitation continuum.
• Applies appropriate, evidence-based interventions to ensure effective outcomes and re-evaluates performance to assess patient's progress towards goals.
• Employs strategies to promote successful return to home, community, and school/vocational environments.
• Provides evidence-based evaluations and interventions for medically complex hospitalized patients.
• Delivers care across diverse settings, including ICU, surgical units, and emergency services.
• Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to develop individualized plans of care.
• Educates patients and caregivers on functional independence and safe discharge planning.
• Documents care and outcomes in compliance with hospital and regulatory standards.
• Participates in quality improvement and departmental initiatives.

Benefits

• Day-one benefits including medical, dental, vision, and retirement
• Career advancement ladder with structured growth from OT Level 1 through Level 4
• Free continuing education through department-hosted CE courses
• Comprehensive onboarding with structured orientation across hospital units
• Formal mentorship program to support clinical development and growth
• Collaborative, team-based culture with opportunities to participate in initiatives

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree