This week I returned to work as a nurse after a long time off and it has been an adventure, to say the least. The excitement of being back in the game is real, but so is the reminder that nursing is a full-body contact sport. Add to that the occasional brain fog from menopause, and it’s like being on a reality show called Survivor: Scrubs Edition.
Sure, I can handle the job—no problem there. But it’s the little things? They’re what caught me off guard. Getting up early, managing a new routine, and wondering when the ground decided to move two feet farther away have all added to the fun. Here’s a glimpse into my new normal and the challenges (and laughs) I’ve encountered along the way.
When Did the Floor Get So Far Away?
Nursing is a physically demanding job, and I thought I was ready. Then Day 1 hit, and I found myself on the floor (literally). A dropped piece of equipment reminded me of a harsh reality: getting down to the ground is easy—it’s getting back up that feels like climbing Mount Everest.
I’ll be honest: my attempts at standing up are the opposite of graceful. Picture an elephant on roller skates, and you’re close. (I apologise to all Elephants) There’s wiggling, grunting, and a silent prayer that nobody’s watching. My downward dog has been getting an unexpected workout, but unfortunately, yoga poses don’t come with instructions on how to avoid looking like a disaster.
Was the floor always this far down? Did someone sneak in overnight and lower it? And why does every joint decide to pop like bubble wrap when I finally stand up? These are the existential questions of midlife nursing.
The Back Pain Chronicles
While I don’t sit much at work, the hours on my feet have turned my back into a diva. Four hours into a shift, it’s already muttering complaints, and by the end of the day, it’s staging a full-on protest. I’ve tried stretching, heat packs, and even bargaining with it like it’s an unreasonable toddler. But so far, the back remains unimpressed.
Then there’s my recent foot injury, which decided this was the perfect time to remind me of its existence. Add in the occasional squatting, bending, and lifting, and my body feels like it’s auditioning for a part in The Exorcist.
Brain Fog: My New Coworker
As if the physical challenges weren’t enough, there’s the lovely gift of menopause brain fog. Ever tried to give your full attention to a patient while also trying to remember why you walked into the supply room? Welcome to my life.
The fog rolls in at the most inconvenient times:
- Forgetting the name of a tool I’ve used a thousand times.
- Standing in front of a patient with the sudden realisation that I have no idea what I was about to say.
- Writing notes and thinking, Why do these words look like someone else wrote them?
It’s like my brain is operating on a dial-up connection in a Wi-Fi world.
And then there are my younger coworkers. They’re energetic, sharp, and lightning-fast at their tasks. Meanwhile, I’m over here staring into a cupboard like it’s a portal to Narnia, trying to remember what I needed.
The best part? Their reactions to my foggy moments. Imagine explaining brain fog to a colleague 20 years younger who hasn’t yet experienced the joys of multitasking with a hormone-addled brain:
- “It’s like opening 10 tabs in your browser, and they’re all frozen.”
- “Oh, I remember what I need… never mind, it’s gone again.”
- “Where did I put that—oh wait, I’m literally holding it.”
They give me that polite, slightly concerned smile—the one that says, Should I be worried, or is this just a thing she does? It’s endearing, really, but I can’t help but laugh when they start offering to help me find my lost pen (which is, of course, behind my ear).
Despite the occasional moments of confusion, my younger coworkers are surprisingly supportive. They remind me that there’s beauty in having a team with different strengths—and a lot of humour in learning from each other. Plus, they’ve become my go-to tech support for when my brain just says, Nope.
Brain fog may be an unwelcome coworker, but it’s teaching me patience—and giving me and them endless stories to laugh about later.
Adjusting to a New Routine (and the Alarm Clock of Doom)
The job itself isn’t the only adjustment—there’s the matter of my routine, too.
Waking Up Before the Birds
Let’s talk about that alarm clock. I used to wake up when my body felt ready. Now, my alarm goes off at a time that feels downright rude. My body is still firmly in the denial stage, and every morning starts with an internal negotiation:
- Brain: You need to get up now.
- Body: Absolutely not.
- Brain: You have a job.
- Body: Jobs are overrated.
The Dog Dictates Everything
Before I even think about myself, I’ve got a very important creature to tend to: my dog (sorry Bradley). Wally’s morning walk is non-negotiable. Rain or shine, we’re out there pacing the neighbourhood, me grumbling about my coffee and my dog acting like we’re on the greatest adventure of all time.
It’s annoying at 5:00 AM, and being in Townsville, it is very very hot, but I’ll admit—it’s also grounding. Those walks help me clear my head (and my dog’s energy), setting us both up for a better day.
Re-learning the Art of Planning
Routines are hard to change, and I’ve had to learn to plan my mornings carefully. Forget one thing, and the whole day feels off. I now double-check my bag like I’m preparing for a space mission: lunch, water bottle, comfy shoes, heating pad for my back—check, check, check.
Finding the Humour in the Chaos
Despite the challenges, I’ve found plenty of reasons to laugh along the way:
- Dropping something and genuinely debating if it’s worth picking up.
- Realising I’ve forgotten my pen… while it’s tucked behind my ear.
- Attempting to explain brain fog to a younger coworker who looks at me like I’m describing a mythical beast.
These moments remind me that while I’m not 25 anymore, I’m also not alone in feeling this way.
Why Routine Changes Can Be Good (Even When They’re Not Fun)
Here’s the thing about change: it’s uncomfortable, messy, and sometimes makes you question your life choices. But it’s also an incredible opportunity to shake things up.
1. Coworkers Who Keep Me on My Toes
The younger generation brings fresh ideas and an energy that’s catching (on good days). It’s a reminder that I can learn from them just as much as they might learn from me. Plus, they’re surprisingly tolerant of my “back in my day” reminiscence
2. Proving to Myself That I’ve Still Got It
Yes, my back hurts, and yes, I’m currently losing a battle with mornings. But something is empowering about stepping back into a role and realising I can do it. Even with a side of foot pain, the occasional hot flash and a dose of anxiety for good measure.
3. Finding the Silver Linings
Adjusting my routine has been jarring, but it’s also a wake-up call (literally and figuratively). It’s pushing me to rethink how I spend my time and energy. It’s pushed me to prioritise my health, appreciate my dog’s enthusiasm (even at 5:00 AM), and embrace the fact that change, while uncomfortable, often leads to growth.
Looking Ahead: Time Management for Real Life
This is just the beginning of my journey back into a structured work life. Next, I’ll tackle time management: how to balance a demanding job, my stubborn back, my loyal dog, and yes, my occasional brain fog. Spoiler alert: it won’t be perfect, but it’ll be real.
If you’re in a similar spot—navigating a new job, routine, or chapter of life—know this: you’re not alone. And if we can laugh about it, we’re already halfway there.
