Shamari DeVoe, known to many for her time on “Real Housewives of Atlanta” and as a member of the group Blaque, is embarking on a new career path: nursing. The 45-year-old is currently working as a nurse extern while completing her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), with an expected graduation date this summer, .
DeVoe shared her journey with fans on social media, posting a video of herself in scrubs on her way to her first day of orientation. “I am going to my first day of orientation,” she said in the video. “I feel really great… Things are looking up. Got a job at a hospital as a nurse extern.” She framed the move not just as a job change, but as “building a legacy,” writing on Instagram, “First day of externship. Summer 2026 MSN on the way. #DeVoeTed #ShamariDeVoe #MSNLoading.”
This isn’t a sudden pivot for DeVoe. She revealed in January that she had returned to school, posting, “Grinding privately, glowing publicly. Nursing school in progress. Master’s in motion,” and declaring a “Countdown to graduation officially on.” More recently, she discussed her clinical experiences, noting she had previously completed CNA school and clinicals at a nursing home. She emphasized the importance of treating patients with “dignity, respect and love as if they were my own family members.”
The announcement has been met with widespread support online. Fans have praised DeVoe’s ambition and dedication, with one user on X (formerly Twitter) noting that her prior bachelor’s degree made this move unsurprising. Another user applauded her for pursuing a career outside of entertainment, stating, “I’m proud of her. She went and got her self a career. Way too many celebrities are still chasing old dreams of being famous and rich.” Some fans have even suggested she would be a perfect fit for Bravo’s “Married to Medicine,” given her new profession and public profile.
However, DeVoe’s timeline for completing her MSN has also drawn some scrutiny, particularly from those within the medical field. One user, identifying as an OR nurse with a master’s degree, questioned the feasibility of graduating this summer, stating that a master’s in nursing typically requires six years of study. They clarified that DeVoe could potentially become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) by summer, as that certification typically takes 3-5 months to complete.
DeVoe’s educational background extends beyond her current nursing studies. She graduated from Georgia State University in with a bachelor of arts degree in Sociology. She also became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated in .
This career shift represents a significant chapter for DeVoe, who first gained prominence as a singer with Blaque in the late 1990s and early 2000s, and later as a cast member on “Real Housewives of Atlanta.” While she remains a recognizable face in entertainment, her dedication to becoming a registered nurse signals a clear desire to build a lasting legacy in a different field. The transition highlights a growing trend of celebrities pursuing alternative careers, often driven by a desire for personal fulfillment and professional stability beyond the entertainment industry.
The move also speaks to a broader cultural shift, where individuals are increasingly embracing career changes and prioritizing purpose-driven work. DeVoe’s willingness to enter a demanding profession like nursing, after years in the public eye, could inspire others to pursue their passions, regardless of their previous career paths. Whether or not she’ll balance her new career with continued appearances in the entertainment world remains to be seen, but for now, Shamari DeVoe is focused on her studies and her journey toward becoming a fully qualified nurse.
