Occupational Therapist – NICU Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt

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:

MCJCHV Peds Rehab

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 under occasional guidance. Actively collaborates with the health care/educational team to meet patient care, outcomes and system improvement objectives.

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Job Title: Occupational Therapist – NICU
Location: Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, TN
Department: Pediatric Rehabilitation Services
Schedule: Full-Time | Monday–Friday | 8-hour shifts | No weekends or on-call

Advance Neonatal Care with Vanderbilt Health

Are you a passionate Occupational Therapist with a heart for neonatal care? Join the nationally ranked Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt and make a lasting impact in our Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), one of the largest and most advanced in the country.

Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt has once again been recognized as a leader in pediatric health care, earning the title as the No. 1 children’s hospital in Tennessee and sharing the top spot in the Southeast, according to the 2025-2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Children’s Hospitals rankings.

We’re seeking a skilled and compassionate OT to deliver evidence-based, family-centered care to our tiniest patients. This is a unique opportunity to work in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment focused on innovation, excellence, and outcomes.

What You’ll Do:

• Conduct comprehensive assessments to develop individualized treatment plans for NICU patients.

• Collaborate with physicians, nurses, and rehab specialists to deliver coordinated care.

• Apply evidence-based interventions to support developmental outcomes and family engagement.

• Document patient progress accurately and communicate effectively across care teams.

• Promote safe transitions to home, community, and early intervention services.

What You Bring:

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s or Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program

• Active Tennessee OT license (or eligibility)

• Minimum 2 years of pediatric OT experience, ideally in Level III or IV NICU

Preferred Qualifications:

• Membership in the National Association of Neonatal Therapists (NANT)

• Advanced training in neonatal therapy or sensory integration

Why Choose Vanderbilt Health?

• Work at one of America’s top-ranked children’s hospitals

• Be part of a mission-driven team dedicated to pediatric excellence

• Access continuing education, leadership development, and research opportunities

• Enjoy Day One benefits, including health, dental, vision, and retirement plans

• Recognized by Forbes as one of the “Best Employers in Tennessee” and “America’s Best Employers for Healthcare Professionals”

Apply Today

Join us in shaping the future of neonatal therapy. Please help us deliver hope and healing to families when they need it most.

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-evaluates performance to assess patient's progress towards goals.
• Employs strategies to promote successful retu