Starting a new job

As some of you know, I recently changed jobs. It was a very hard decision to make but one that had to be made. I went from knowing my job like the back of my hand (after 6 years) to knowing absolutely nothing. Its extremely frustrating. My new employers were very supportive with the recent death of my father. I actually had to take my first week off to be by his side and eventually, grieve the loss. Now, I'm back to work and ready to get started. I have found with many different jobs, you are thrown into a position and you either sink or swim. The people you were hired to help can be over worked (in my case extremely behind), so its hard to get a full grasp of what is expected of me. I have found, from past experience, the best thing you can do is BREATHE. Learning every ones name isn't easy either but if you repeat their name back when they are introduced, it can help your memory bank. Its funny, I take a ton of notes when I am first starting a job but I find that I rarely ever use them. I think that is also another way of playing the memory game. If you right it down, re-read it, it may have a better chance of sticking in your head. My main problem is patience, not for other people (OK, maybe sometimes) but basically for myself. No one likes to feel stupid, and when you are learning something you have never done before, the chances of that increase. I have been in the medical field for 15 years, and Ive done alot of different things, but nothing about this job is familiar at all. The down side is the time it takes to learn enough to make you feel comfortable but the upside is being able to increase your worth and marketability. As a single mother I really have no choice, I have to make it work. I just wish it was 6 months down the road and I had the confidence that comes with time. Any suggestions on how to make this type of transition easier? I know I can do this and thats half the battle. Now, I just need the knowledge to do my job. Until then, I will remain cool, finish the tasks at hand, and ask tons of questions. This too shall pass.