How Do You Score as a Caregiver? 15 Points for Self-Reflection

Caregivers’ struggles are real. And there isn’t a workday without certain challenges in patient care. As days and years go by, we sometimes come to a point of self-reflection about our work. How am I doing as a caregiver? Have I done an excellent job? Have I made an impact on my patients' lives?

Caregivers should self-reflect occasionally, because it enables them to check their behavior and performance to better understand their thoughts, emotions, and motivations. It’s one way of improving and learning about oneself.

If you are a caregiver, here are 15 telltale signs that you are great at your job:

If you answer “yes” to at least 10 of the points below, give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done!

1. In general, your patients express their gratitude after you care for them.

Happy and satisfied patients say “thank you” generously to those who show they genuinely care. If you are thanked often, it is a sign that you do your job well.

2. You remember instances when you impacted a patient’s life.

Have you ever had a patient who got well, and after some time came looking for you, just to say they appreciate how you treated them? This is a five-star qualification that you’re a great caregiver.

3. Your colleagues think highly of you.

Trust is hard to come by these days. When coworkers have a high regard for you, it means they trust you and value your contributions to the team.

Perhaps only you could make the most difficult patients agree to care procedures, for example. This ability is extraordinary, and your colleagues are vocal in expressing their appreciation for that effort.

4. You became a better person because of your caregiving experience.

Have you learned more life lessons because of your job? Have you improved your communication and caregiving skills? Did you become more patient, considerate, and understanding? Can you say that you are a better version of yourself, because of your job? If can you answer “yes,” then you have been rewarded by the job itself.

5. You come to realize the value of life, health, and family.

Dealing with sick, elderly, or disabled patients should make you realize that life, health, and family are what matters most in this world. With this realization, you do your best to preserve patients’ health, respect their families, and promote a celebration of life.

6. You accept challenges as part of the job.

You know already that you’re a great caregiver when you stop wishing for a trouble-free day, and instead prepare yourself physically and emotionally for each challenge that arises, every day.

7. You do more in less time.

Efficiency at one’s job and a mastery of tasks are sure signs of success as a caregiver. At this point, you also realize that you are now able to teach others about caregiving, through mentorship.

8. You act ethically and do what is right, even if there is no reward.

Even if no one is watching or able to acknowledge your good deed, you still do your best anyway.

9. You put patients first, above all, and prioritize their safety.

You fully understand the essence of caregiving and you place patient safety at the top of your priorities. Caring for others is rooted so deeply in you so that it comes naturally, even if a task is not part of your job description.

10. You are a team player.

You may enjoy working alone, but you admit that when the team works as one, you tend to perform better and become positively challenged.

11. You know how to recognize when you need help and rest.

A good caregiver knows that they are no superhero. Consider yourself an excellent caregiver when you can admit that there are days you need help, too.

12. You are sincere when you deal with patients and their families.

Even after years of being on the job, you can still say that you care for patients with empathy and compassion. This is a sure sign that you are a caregiving champ!

13. You consider your workplace to be a place of learning.

If, during self-reflection, you can say that you have learned a lot at your job, then consider yourself a successful caregiver. This is a positive sign that you are truly good at your job.

14. You want to advance your career or develop new skills.

A great worker always seeks to continually improve themselves and do better at their job, and caregivers are no exception.

15. Overall, you find your job fulfilling.

Perhaps the most important part of this self-reflection is looking back and being able to say that you feel fulfilled as a person because of your rich experiences as a caregiver. A sense of fulfillment is necessary to move forward and improve one’s skills in caring for patients.