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 | Hospital-Based Occupational Therapy

Join Vanderbilt Health – Where Your Career Thrives from Day One

Are you a licensed Occupational Therapist passionate about making a difference in an acute care inpatient setting? Vanderbilt Health is seeking a dedicated OT to join our collaborative team in Middle Tennessee’s largest Level 1 trauma center. This role offers exposure to diverse hospital units, including ICUs and the emergency department, providing unmatched clinical experience and professional growth.

Why Choose Vanderbilt Health?

• Day-One Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, and retirement plans start immediately

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

• Free Continuing Education: Department-hosted CE courses for all staff

• Extensive Orientation: 10–12 weeks of onboarding for success across all hospital areas

• Formal Mentorship Program: Led by our Mentorship Committee for new grads and new hires

• Collaborative Culture: Join committees shaping care and innovation

• Nationally Recognized Employer: Known for excellence, innovation, and patient-centered care

How You Will Make an Impact

As an Occupational Therapist in acute care, you will:

• Deliver evidence-based OT evaluations and interventions across multiple inpatient units

• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to create individualized care plans

• Educate patients and caregivers on adaptive strategies and functional independence

• Document outcomes per hospital and regulatory standards

• Participate in mentorship, quality improvement, and departmental initiatives

What We’re Looking For

• Licensed Occupational Therapist (or eligible for Tennessee licensure)

• Minimum 1 year of acute care experience and strong interdisciplinary collaboration skills

Ready to Advance Your OT Career?

Join a nationally recognized health system where your skills matter and your growth is supported. Apply today for this Occupational Therapist – Acute Care Inpatient role at Vanderbilt Health in Nashville, TN.

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 return to home, community, and school/vocational environments.
• The responsibilities listed are a general overview of the position and additional duties may be assigned.

TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES
• Rehabilitation Therapist Patient Evaluation (Novice): Demonstrates proficiency in evaluating patients with physical deficits including impairments, developmental disabilities, functional limitations, disabilities, or changes in physical function by obtaining information pertinent to the assessment and administering and scoring standard