Occupational Therapist - Pediatric Acute Care

About this role

Discover Vanderbilt Health : With eight hospitals and over 180 clinics, we are the region’s largest comprehensive academic health system. Vanderbilt Health has a long tradition of providing world-class care to the people of the Mid-South, living out our mission of moving medicine forward through preeminent programs in patient care, education and research. Here you’ll find a spirit of collaboration and a supportive community where your expertise is valued, your knowledge expanded and your uniqueness celebrated. We are committed to fostering an environment where talented, compassionate people are united in bringing the most advanced care to our neighbors throughout the region.

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. . Occupational Therapist - Pediatric Acute Care Location: Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, TN Schedule: Full-time | 40 Hours per Week | Monday through Friday, with one weekend per month

Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt is seeking an Occupational Therapist to join our Acute Care Rehabilitation Team. This role provides inpatient occupational therapy services to infants, children, and adolescents across a variety of acute care settings, including intensive care, cardiac, medical, surgical, neurologic, and medically complex populations.

As part of a nationally recognized children's hospital and academic medical center, you will help patients achieve optimal functional outcomes while supporting developmental progression, caregiver engagement, and safe transitions of care.

Why Join This Team?

• Treat a diverse pediatric acute care population, from infants through adolescents

• Work with medically complex patients in ICU and non-ICU settings

• Collaborate with highly skilled interdisciplinary teams across multiple specialties

• Practice in a nationally ranked children's hospital

• Access mentorship, continuing education, specialty training, and career advancement opportunities

• Contribute to evidence-based, family-centered care that impacts patients throughout their recovery journey

About the Acute Care Rehabilitation Team

The Acute Care Rehabilitation Team provides inpatient occupational, physical, and speech therapy services throughout Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt.

Occupational Therapists partner closely with physicians, nurses, rehabilitation therapists, child life specialists, social workers, respiratory therapists, and case managers to support patients with: • Critical illness and intensive care needs

• Cardiac and post-surgical conditions

• Neurological diagnoses

• Orthopedic injuries and conditions

• Complex medical disorders

• Chronic and developmental conditions

​ Our team focuses on maximizing function, promoting independence, supporting developmental milestones, educating caregivers, and facilitating safe discharge planning.

Key Responsibilities

• Evaluate and treat pediatric patients with developmental, neurological, orthopedic, cardiac, post-surgical, and medically complex diagnoses

• Develop individualized, evidence-based treatment plans that promote functional independence, participation, and developmental progress

• Provide occupational therapy interventions in an acute care hospital environment

• Assess self-care, fine motor, cognitive, sensory, and functional performance skills

• Educate patients, families, and caregivers to support successful outcomes beyond hospitalization

• Collaborate with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to optimize patient care

• Participate in discharge planning and continuity of care efforts

• Maintain timely, accurate documentation consistent with hospital and regulatory standards

​ What Sets This Role Apart

• Exposure to high-acuity pediatric patient populations, including intensive care environments

• Opportunities to treat medically complex and specialized pediatric cases

• Strong interdisciplinary collaboration across multiple medical and surgical specialties

• Practice within a leading academic medical center and children's hospital

• Emphasis on evidence-based practice, professional growth, and clinical excellence

• Family-centered approach focused on optimizing long-term outcomes

​ Required Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited Occupational Therapy program

• Current Tennessee Occupational Therapist license or eligibility to obtain licensure

• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification

• Experience working with medically complex patients in an acute care or hospital-based setting

​ Preferred Qualifications

• Pediatric acute care experience

• Pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) experience

• Experience treating medically complex pediatric populations

• Experience in cardiac, critical care, or inpatient rehabilitation settings

​ Why Vanderbilt Health?

At Vanderbilt Health, you'll join a mission-driven organization recognized for clinical excellence, innovation, and compassionate care. Our rehabilitation professionals are valued members of the care team and empowered to practice at the top of their profession while making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families every day.

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 interventio

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