Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) – PRN

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: Medical Speech - Adult Job Summary: JOB SUMMARY Evaluates and treats patients with speech, language, voice, cognition, fluency, auditory (re)habilitation, and swallowing/oral feeding disorders. Educates and counsels patients and families. Provides independent therapeutic services and identify area(s) of clinical specialization and competency. Supervises graduate students as assigned in clinical specialty area. Participates actively in identifying and conducting quality improvement activities. Collaborates with clinical practice team to achieve patient outcomes and system objectives. . Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) – PRN Location: Vanderbilt University Hospital – Nashville, TN Department: Speech-Language Pathology | Acute Care Schedule: PRN (As Needed) Join Vanderbilt Health – Where Excellence Meets Compassion At Vanderbilt Health, we are committed to delivering world-class care while fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning. As a nationally recognized leader in healthcare, we empower our team members to make a meaningful impact every day. Key Responsibilities Conduct comprehensive evaluations and provide evidence-based treatment for adults with: Swallowing disorders Speech and language disorders Cognitive-communication impairments Voice disorders Deliver skilled speech therapy interventions in an acute care hospital setting Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, including physicians, nurses, dietitians, occupational therapists, and physical therapists Utilize advanced clinical tools, technology, and best practices to optimize patient outcomes Document patient evaluations, treatment plans, and progress in accordance with hospital and regulatory standards Required Qualifications Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from an accredited program Completion of Clinical Fellowship (CF) – no CF candidates will be considered Current Tennessee SLP license (active) – not just eligibility ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) – required at time of application Minimum 1 year of recent (within the last 2 years) full-time Acute Care hospital experience Demonstrated competency in dysphagia evaluation and management in an acute care setting Experience with instrumental and bedside swallow assessments in medically complex patients Preferred Qualifications: Experience in a Level I Trauma Center or large tertiary care hospital FEES competency (independent performance or strong clinical exposure required) Advanced expertise in bedside swallow evaluations and clinical decision-making in high-acuity patients Strong working knowledge of aspiration risk, modified diets, and evidence-based dysphagia protocols Experience managing medically complex patients (e.g., ICU, step-down, multi-system diagnoses) Direct experience with: Ventilator-dependent patients and/or tracheostomy care Neurologic populations (stroke, TBI, acute neuro) Proficiency across speech, language, and cognitive-communication evaluation in acute settings Efficient, compliant EMR documentation skills (Epic strongly preferred) Schedule & Commitment Requirements Must be available for a consistent PRN commitment Required: 3–5 days/week availability during initial 6–8-week orientation period Ability to maintain ongoing PRN coverage needs after orientation This role is best suited for experienced acute care SLPs who are confident in managing high-acuity patients independently. Candidates without recent acute care experience, FEES exposure, or ICU-level clinical decision-making will not be considered. Why Vanderbilt Health? Nationally Ranked: Consistently recognized by U.S. News & World Report for excellence in patient care Collaborative Culture: Partner with leading clinicians and specialists in a supportive, team-based environment Professional Development: Access ongoing education, mentorship, and growth opportunities Innovative Care: Work in an academic medical center that integrates research, technology, and clinical excellence Mission-Driven: Make a difference in the lives of patients and families across Nashville and Middle Tennessee Apply Today If you are a dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) looking to make an impact in acute care, we encourage you to apply today and join a team committed to clinical excellence and compassionate care. 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. • Supervises graduate students by providing instruction, guidance/counsel and training to ens