From burnout to balance: Kenza’s career journey at Advo

After nearly a decade in the NHS, Kenza Benjdiya was feeling the effects of burnout. As a Mental Health Nurse specialising in mother-and-baby care, she loved helping women recover from postnatal depression and postpartum psychosis. But the long shifts, night work, and staffing shortages had begun to take a toll.

“It wasn’t the job itself,” she explains, “I actually loved helping women recover. But I was exhausted. I needed a better work-life balance.”

That’s when a former colleague reached out. “She said: ‘You get weekends off. You sleep in your own bed. You can have Christmas off.’ That’s all I needed to hear,” Kenza laughs.

“I came in blind, not knowing what a Functional Assessor even did,” Kenza admits. But she learned fast. With an analytical mind and a deep curiosity, she threw herself into the work. “I was hounding experienced assessors in the office, probably annoying them at first – but I just wanted to learn.”

That drive led to rapid success, followed by a temporary dip. “I took on too much overtime, got overwhelmed, and my quality dropped. It was a shock.” But rather than giving up, Kenza used the setback as a learning opportunity. “It forced me to slow down and rebuild my knowledge properly. I came out stronger.”

Today, Kenza is thriving in a completely different role working as a Clinical Training & Development Lead at Advo Health. Her story is a powerful example of how healthcare professionals can find new purpose, flexibility, and career progression without leaving behind their values or clinical expertise.

“Most people come in with no idea what the role really involves. That’s okay, we train them from the ground up with a five-week programme that includes e-learning, practice assessments with actors, and report writing. By the end, they’re ready for real-life assessments, but they’re never alone. The support structure here is incredible.”

A supportive culture that makes you want to stay

Kenza has been with Advo for almost ten years, far longer than any of her previous roles. “It’s the people,” she says. “Everyone is approachable, from your trainer to the CEO, and you feel like you really matter.”

What really surprised her early on was how different the support felt. “I came from a ward where you were often thrown in and expected to just get on with it. Here, you’re supported at every level. You’re never alone.”

Whether it’s approachable managers, caring colleagues or a genuine sense of community, Kenza says the culture at Advo makes you feel seen, valued, and part of something bigger.

Ultimately, Kenza’s story is proof that a new career doesn’t mean starting over. It can mean moving forward – with purpose, balance, and support.

“For any nurse, physio or healthcare professional wondering if this path is right: be open. Ask questions. Do your research. This isn’t about giving up your skills, it’s about using them in a new way, and building a career that works for your life.”

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