Occupational Therapist – Acute Care

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. . Occupational Therapist – Acute Care Location: Vanderbilt Health | Nashville, TN Schedule: Full-Time | Includes 2 weekend days per month Where Expert Occupational Therapists Make Their Greatest Impact Vanderbilt Health is seeking an experienced Acute Care Occupational Therapist to join one of the nation's leading academic health systems. This is an opportunity to practice alongside nationally recognized physicians, nurses, and rehabilitation professionals while caring for medically complex patients across a Level 1 Trauma Center. If you're looking for an environment that values clinical expertise, interdisciplinary collaboration, and evidence-based practice, you'll find it here. At Vanderbilt Health, occupational therapists are trusted clinical partners. They help patients reclaim independence, restore meaningful function, and navigate life's daily challenges with confidence and dignity. Through clinical expertise, creativity, and patient advocacy, our OTs play a vital role in helping patients return to the activities that matter most. Be part of an organization redefining what's possible in healthcare. Vanderbilt Health is home to the nation's largest transplant center by volume and continues to set records for life-saving care, groundbreaking innovation, and exceptional patient outcomes. Most importantly, we believe healthcare is personal. Our rehabilitation professionals are empowered to provide individualized, evidence-based care that puts patients before productivity metrics. Here, therapists are trusted to use their clinical judgment, collaborate as valued members of the interdisciplinary team, and focus on helping patients achieve meaningful outcomes. Why Experienced Therapists Choose Vanderbilt Health Practice at the Top of Your License – Clinical expertise is respected and valued throughout the organization. Complex and Diverse Patient Populations – Work with patients across trauma, transplant, critical care, neuroscience, oncology, cardiology, and specialty medicine services. Patient-First Culture – Deliver individualized care in an environment focused on quality outcomes rather than productivity metrics. Interdisciplinary Collaboration – Partner with physicians, nurses, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, case managers, and social workers to optimize patient outcomes. Career Growth and Leadership Opportunities – Advance through a structured Clinical Career Ladder while contributing to mentorship, education, and program development. Nationally Recognized Excellence – Join a health system known for innovation, research, and world-class patient care. Your Impact as an Acute Care Occupational Therapist Perform comprehensive occupational therapy evaluations for patients with complex medical and surgical conditions. Develop and implement individualized treatment plans focused on functional independence and meaningful participation in daily activities. Provide interventions addressing activities of daily living, cognition, upper extremity function, adaptive equipment needs, and discharge readiness. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to support safe and effective transitions of care. Educate patients and caregivers on adaptive techniques, energy conservation, safety strategies, and equipment recommendations. Apply advanced clinical reasoning to assess patient progress and modify treatment plans accordingly. Document care in accordance with hospital and regulatory standards. Contribute to departmental initiatives, quality improvement projects, mentorship activities, and clinical advancement efforts. Qualifications Licensed Occupational Therapist (or license-eligible) in the State of Tennessee. Minimum of 2 years of acute care or hospital-based occupational therapy experience preferred. Strong clinical reasoning and decision-making skills. Commitment to collaborative, patient-centered care. Passion for continuous learning, innovation, and clinical excellence. Ready for What's Next? If you're an experienced acute care occupational therapist looking for greater clinical complexity, stronger interdisciplinary collaboration, and a culture that values both expertise and patient advocacy, Vanderbilt Health offers the opportunity to make your greatest impact. Apply today and join a team that's helping redefine the future of healthcare. 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 deliv