Physical Therapist - Pediatric Cardiac 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 physical therapy services to patients who have impairments, 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. . Physical Therapist - Pediatric Cardiac Acute Care Location: Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, TN Schedule: Full Time | 40 Hours per Week | Sunday through Thursday   Pediatric Physical Therapist - Acute Care Cardiology

Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt is seeking a Pediatric Physical Therapist to join our Acute Care Rehabilitation Team. This role provides inpatient physical therapy services to infants, children, and adolescents with complex medical and cardiac conditions within one of the nation's leading pediatric heart programs.   As a member of the multidisciplinary care team, you will help patients maximize mobility, functional independence, developmental progress, and recovery throughout hospitalization while supporting families and caregivers every step of the way.

  Why Join This Team?

• Specialized practice in pediatric cardiac acute care

• Work across both the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (PCICU) and Pediatric Cardiology inpatient unit

• Care for medically complex patients, including post-operative cardiac surgery and transplant populations

• Collaborate with nationally recognized pediatric cardiac and rehabilitation specialists

• Access ongoing professional development, mentorship, and clinical advancement opportunities

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

  About the Pediatric Heart Institute

The Vanderbilt Pediatric Heart Institute is one of the largest and most comprehensive pediatric cardiac programs in the country. The program provides advanced care for congenital and acquired heart disease, including cardiac surgery, interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, heart failure management, ECMO, and heart transplantation.

The cardiac service line includes:   Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (PCICU)

A 23-bed intensive care unit caring for newborns through adolescents with congenital and acquired heart disease. Patients include those recovering from complex cardiac surgery, heart transplantation, and other advanced cardiac interventions.   Pediatric Cardiology Inpatient Unit

A step-down and acute care unit supporting patients from ICU transition through discharge, with a focus on rehabilitation, education, care coordination, and family-centered recovery.  

Key Responsibilities

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

• Develop individualized, evidence-based treatment plans to improve mobility, function, and developmental outcomes

• Provide acute care physical therapy interventions that support recovery and safe progression of activity

• Educate patients, families, and caregivers to promote successful transitions of care

• Collaborate with physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, speech-language pathologists, child life specialists, social workers, and care managers

• Contribute to discharge planning and continuity of care

• Maintain timely and accurate documentation in accordance with hospital and regulatory standards

  Required Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited Physical Therapy program

• Current Tennessee Physical Therapist license or eligibility to obtain licensure

• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification

• Acute care experience required

• Pediatric rehabilitation or pediatric acute care experience required

  Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in pediatric cardiac care

• Experience working in a pediatric ICU, cardiac ICU, or acute care hospital setting

• Experience treating medically complex pediatric populations

  Why Vanderbilt Health?

At Vanderbilt Health, you'll join a mission-driven organization committed to clinical excellence, innovation, and compassionate care. Our therapists are valued members of the care team and enjoy opportunities to grow professionally while making a lasting impact on the lives of children and families across the region . 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 • Treatment Planning & Goal Setting (Novice): Demonstrates sufficient proficiency in developing a plan of care that incorporates treatment in

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