Why I Left The Ward To Become A Functional Assessor

Former nurse Juliet Stocks shares how she became a Functional Assessor at Advo Health, gaining balance and thriving in a supportive culture.

Hi, I’m Juliet Stocks. I’m a former nurse with 20 years of clinical experience, and I now work as a Functional Assessor at Advo Health.

If you’ve ever wondered what this role involves—or what it’s really like to move away from the frontline—this is for you.

In this post, I’ll share a bit about my background, what I do now, and why this job still gives me that feeling of making a difference.

Why I left the ward to become a Functional Assessor

I qualified as a nurse in 2004 and spent nearly two decades working in orthopedics, renal, rheumatology, and other specialties. Nursing has always been about people for me—listening, supporting, and helping them through tough times. In 2021, I decided I needed a change. I was looking for a better work-life balance but didn’t want to walk away from healthcare completely. That’s when I found the Functional Assessor role at Advo.

What I do as a Functional Assessor

I now work remotely, carrying out telephone assessments for people who have applied for Personal Independence Payment (PIP). I review medical evidence and speak with claimants about how their condition affects their daily life. I ask questions, listen carefully, and write reports that go to case managers at the DWP. They use these reports to help decide if someone qualifies for disability benefits.

We’re not doing hands-on physical care. We’re not here to make people better. But we’re helping in a different kind of way. And for me, it still feels like I’m making a difference.

It’s a genuinely supportive place to work. I’ve made real friendships here, and I’ve always felt like I could reach out to anyone—whether that’s my team, my clinical managers, or even senior leadership. During some tough personal times, the support I received meant everything. People checked in, listened, and showed that they really cared. That kind of culture isn’t something you find everywhere—and it’s one of the reasons I genuinely love working here.

Is this role right for you?

If you're a nurse looking for something new but still want to use your clinical knowledge and help others, this role could be a great fit. It’s structured, supportive, and meaningful. You might step away from the ward, but you don’t stop being a healthcare professional. You just care in a different way.

About the author

Juliet Stocks is a former nurse and Functional Assessor at Advo Health who’s passionate about balance, purpose, and compassionate healthcare.