“How am I doing?” is an understandable question. It can also be difficult to answer in a way that gives you something concrete to practice.
A useful check-in can be small: one observed strength, one thing to work on, and a plan to revisit it.
Choose a specific moment.
Ask about something the other person actually observed. For example: “Could you give me feedback on how I organized that handoff?” or “Was my explanation easy to follow? Where did I lose you?”
Specific questions make it easier to separate an individual skill from your overall sense of how your work is going.
Turn an impression into an example.
If feedback feels broad, ask for an observable example. “Be more confident” might become a conversation about speaking audibly, organizing an explanation, or stating what support you need.
You can ask: “What would that look like in practice?” and “What is one thing I could do differently next time?”
Useful feedback gives you something to try next.
Check that you heard it correctly.
Summarize the takeaway in your own words: “What I’m hearing is that my explanation would be easier to follow if I started with the main point. Is that right?”
You do not need to agree instantly with every interpretation. If you see something differently, describe the specific part and ask to discuss it. For concerns about expectations or evaluation, involve the appropriate person in your workplace.
Agree on the next step.
Choose one focus and a time to check in again. That might be the end of the next shift or your scheduled weekly meeting. Use shared learning goals and your workplace’s expectations as the framework.
When offering feedback, invite the other person’s perspective as well: “What felt clearer today?” and “What support would make the next step more manageable?”
Keep the record about learning.
Write a short note about the skill, the agreed action, and when you will revisit it. Leave patient and family information out of personal learning worksheets. Follow your workplace’s requirements for any official orientation documentation.