Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) PRN

Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) PRN

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.

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.

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: 35 days/week availability during initial 68-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.

Vanderbilt University Medical Center