Occupational Therapist – Acute Care Inpatient

Discover Vanderbilt University Medical Center:  Located in Nashville, Tennessee, and operating at a global crossroads of teaching, discovery, and patient care, VUMC is a community of individuals who come to work each day with the simple aim of changing the world. It is a place where your expertise will be valued, your knowledge expanded, and your abilities challenged. Vanderbilt Health is committed to an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and where your uniqueness is sought and celebrated. It is a place where employees know they are part of something that is bigger than themselves, take exceptional pride in their work and never settle for what was good enough yesterday. Vanderbilt’s mission is to advance health and wellness through preeminent programs in patient care, education, and research.

Organization:

Acute Rehab PT/OT 3

Job Summary:

JOB SUMMARY
Provides 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. Actively collaborates with the health care/educational team to meet patient care, outcomes and system improvement objectives.

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Occupational Therapist – Acute Care Inpatient

Location: Vanderbilt Health, Nashville, TN
Job Type: Full-Time
 

Join Vanderbilt Health – Where Your Career Thrives from Day One

Are you a compassionate and motivated Occupational Therapist looking to make a meaningful impact in an inpatient acute care setting? Vanderbilt Health is seeking a dedicated OT to join our collaborative and dynamic team. This role offers the opportunity to work across a wide variety of hospital units, providing diverse clinical experience and professional growth.

Vanderbilt Health set a world record by performing the most heart transplants in 2024, and as middle Tennessee’s largest level 1 trauma center, working at Vanderbilt Health will provide you with unique opportunities to learn and grow as a Physical Therapist. Whether you are a new graduate or an experienced clinician, every day is challenging and unique.

How You Will Make a Difference

As an Occupational Therapist in our acute care team, you will:

• Provide evidence-based occupational therapy evaluations and interventions to patients across multiple inpatient units, including all ICUs and the emergency department.

• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement individualized care plans

• Educate patients and caregivers on adaptive strategies, safety, and functional independence

• Document patient progress and outcomes in accordance with hospital and regulatory standards

• Participate in departmental initiatives, mentorship, and quality improvement projects

• Support and mentor students or new staff as part of our collaborative learning culture

Why Vanderbilt Health?

• Day One Benefits – Medical, dental, vision, and retirement benefits start on your first day

• Career Advancement Ladder – Structured growth from OT Level 1 to Level 4

• Free Continuing Education – Department-hosted CE courses available to all staff

• Extensive Orientation Program – 10–12 weeks of onboarding to help you succeed in all hospital areas

• Formal Mentorship Program – Led by our Mentorship Committee, supporting new grads and new hires

• Collaborative Culture – Join departmental and hospital-wide committees to shape care and innovation

• Nationally Recognized Employer – Be part of a health system known for excellence, innovation, and patient-centered care

What We’re Looking For

• Licensed Occupational Therapist (or eligible for licensure in Tennessee)

• Strong experience in acute care and interdisciplinary collaboration

Ready to Make a Difference?

Join a nationally recognized health system where your skills are valued, your growth is supported, and your work truly matters. Apply today and take the next step in your occupational therapy career with Vanderbilt Health.

KEY 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-ev