Physical Therapist (PT) Acute Care

Vanderbilt University Medical Center•Nashville, TN

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Vanderbilt Health is seeking an experienced Acute Care Physical Therapist to join one of the nation's leading academic health systems. This is an opportunity to practice at a Level 1 Trauma Center and the nation's largest transplant center by volume, working alongside nationally recognized physicians, nurses, and rehabilitation professionals while caring for some of healthcare's most medically complex patients. Whether you're looking to deepen your acute care expertise, expand your experience across specialty populations, or advance your professional growth, Vanderbilt offers an environment where clinical judgment is valued, collaboration is expected, and exceptional patient care is the standard. Our Acute Care Rehabilitation team includes approximately 130 rehabilitation professionals who provide care throughout Vanderbilt University Hospital across trauma, transplant, critical care, neurosciences, cardiovascular services, specialty medicine, and surgical populations. Most importantly, we believe healthcare is personal. Therapists are empowered to provide individualized, evidence-based care that prioritizes patient outcomes while practicing at the top of their license.

Requirements

Licensed Physical Therapist (or license-eligible) in the State of Tennessee
Acute care or hospital-based physical therapy experience strongly preferred
Strong clinical reasoning and decision-making abilities
Excellent communication and interdisciplinary collaboration skills
Commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care
Passion for continuous learning and professional growth
Bachelor's degree
Less than 1 year of relevant work experience
Rehab Therapist Patient Documentation (Fundamental Awareness)
Rehabilitation Therapist Patient Evaluation (Novice)
Treatment Planning & Goal Setting (Novice)
Treatment Implementation (Fundamental Awareness)
Physical/Occupational Therapist Patient Education (Fundamental Awareness)

Nice To Haves

Acute care or hospital-based physical therapy experience

Responsibilities

Performs evidence-based evaluations and treatment interventions for hospitalized patients with complex medical and surgical diagnoses.
Provides care across diverse inpatient settings, including intensive care units, specialty services, transplant, trauma, and step-down units.
Develops individualized treatment plans that optimize mobility, function, safety, and discharge outcomes.
Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to deliver coordinated, patient-centered care.
Applies advanced clinical reasoning to assess patient progress and modify treatment plans as clinical needs evolve.
Educates patients and caregivers regarding mobility strategies, equipment recommendations, fall prevention, and safe discharge planning.
Documents care in accordance with hospital, regulatory, and professional standards.
Supports a culture of clinical excellence through mentorship, quality improvement, and professional development initiatives.
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.
Supervises and directs certified athletic trainers (PT only), physical therapist / occupational therapist assistants, technicians and volunteers and students.
Selects and follows correct protocol for care and utilize evidence based treatments.