Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) – PRN

Vanderbilt University Medical Center•Clarksville, TN

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The speech-language pathologist is responsible for the evaluation of patients; development, coordination, and implementation of the treatment plan; maintenance of informative, accurate, and timely documentation; participation in team meetings; training of others as indicated; and participation in continuing education. Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) – PRN at Vanderbilt Clarksville Hospital provide inpatient rehabilitation services within an acute care hospital setting and inpatient rehab unit. The role supports adult patients across multiple units, contributing to interdisciplinary care focused on recovery, safety, and discharge planning. Speech-Language Pathologists at Vanderbilt Clarksville Hospital provide inpatient services to adult patients on Inpatient Rehab, Emergency Department, Medical–Surgical units, Progressive Care/Step-Down, and the Intensive Care Unit. The SLP supports patients with dysphagia, cognitive-communication deficits, and speech or language impairments, including post-extubation, neurologic, respiratory, and post-surgical cases. This role works closely with physicians, nursing, dietary services, and rehabilitation colleagues to ensure safe nutrition, effective communication, and appropriate discharge recommendations.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited program in the applicable therapy discipline.
Current Tennessee licensure or eligibility.
Master's degree.
Relevant Work Experience.
1 year of experience with transition and discharge planning.
Rehab Therapist Patient Documentation (Novice): Demonstrates proficiency in documentation practices. Documents in the appropriate templates and utilizes only approved abbreviations within patient documentation. Meets institutional standards for quality and timeliness of documentation.
Speech Pathology Patient Evaluation (Novice): Demonstrates proficiency in evaluating patients with speech-language, auditory, and/or swallowing/oral feeding deficits using the appropriate testing methods and equipment for the patient type, diagnosis, and reason for the referral. Demonstrates the ability to obtain the case history and selects appropriate measures and performs a functional assessment to document patient's status requiring skilled therapy. Interprets the results of the assessment and their significance for the patient, family, referring physician and other members of the health care team.
Speech Pathology Patient & Family Education (Novice): Demonstrates proficiency in communicating functional impact of assessment findings, treatment interventions, treatment planning diagnosis, and disease process. Considers the communication needs/level of understanding of audience and may share appropriate information/literature. May supervise, educate and train students from professional programs of speech-language pathology.
Speech Pathology Treatment Implementation (Novice): Demonstrates proficiency providing treatment consistent with physician prescription and established plan of care. Identifies treatment objectives based upon assessment results and family input. Writes functional objectives in measurable terms that are consistent with the family's goals and resources. Applies evidence based clinical management practices. Identifies and recommends additional/alternative services when appropriate.
Discharge Planning (Novice): Demonstrates proficiency in the discharge planning process. Informs patients, family and members of team of the patient's needs based upon the assessment and/or treatment. Makes recommendations for continued services, follow-up, or referrals to other services. Seeks guidance consistently on the transition and discharge process including transition services and referral resources. May anticipate transition and discharge needs of the patient based upon understanding of pathology/diagnosis and relationship to their present functional status.

Nice To Haves

Prior acute care or hospital-based experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Evaluate and treat adult inpatients according to physician orders and established plan of care.
Collaborate with physicians, nursing, therapy colleagues, and care management teams.
Document evaluations, progress notes, and discharge recommendations per hospital standards.
Support safe discharge planning and transitions of care.
Diagnosing, treating, and preventing speech, language, and swallowing disorders.
Performing screenings to detect voice, fluency, or speech disorders.
Educating patients and family members about speech/swallow disorders and causes, including disabilities and traumatic events.
Keeping detailed records relating to patient conditions, care plans, therapies, and progress.
Reporting progress and current status to appropriate parties, which may include family members or medical professionals.
Selecting appropriate technology and material for the patients (AAC devices, dysphagia tools).