Her Story
About Roshanak
Roshanak Meshkinnafas, MSN-Ed, RN, CNE, is an accomplished nursing educator and Assistant Professor at Chamberlain University’s College of Nursing in Phoenix, Arizona. She brings more than 29 years of nursing experience, including over 12 years dedicated to nursing education, where she has inspired and guided future generations of nurses through compassionate, evidence-based teaching.
A native Persian speaker, Roshanak came to the United States as a refugee in pursuit of religious freedom. Her personal journey of resilience, gratitude, and service has profoundly shaped her approach to nursing education. She is passionate about empowering students to become compassionate, culturally responsive healthcare professionals who are committed to improving the lives of others through service and patient-centered care.
Since joining Chamberlain University in 2021, Roshanak has taught pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students in courses including Fundamentals of Nursing and Pharmacology. She combines innovative teaching strategies with clinical expertise to foster critical thinking, clinical reasoning, confidence, and a deeper understanding of compassionate patient care.
Throughout her career in nursing education, which began in 2014, Roshanak has served in faculty and clinical education roles at several respected institutions, including Grand Canyon University, Glendale Community College, GateWay Community College, and Banner Health. Her dedication to student learning and professional excellence has earned recognition from both colleagues and students, including the Care in Action Award, the Excellence Award, and a DAISY Award nomination for her outstanding commitment to nursing education.
In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Roshanak serves as a Student Government Association faculty advisor, where she mentors nursing students and supports their growth as leaders in healthcare. She is also committed to community service and has participated in outreach initiatives through organizations and programs such as Project C.U.R.E., Phoenix Children’s programs, geriatric companionship visits, homelessness outreach efforts, and Parkinson’s Foundation fundraising initiatives.
Roshanak’s educational philosophy is rooted in the belief that exceptional nursing care begins with recognizing the dignity, uniqueness, and shared humanity of every individual. Through mentorship, service, and education, she strives to prepare nurses who provide compassionate, equitable, and high-quality care to diverse communities.
Roshanak earned a Master of Science in Nursing with an emphasis in Nursing Education from Grand Canyon University and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Emory University. She is a Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) and a Registered Nurse (RN).
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Roshanak
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my unwavering faith, my belief that all people are part of one human family, and my deep gratitude for the opportunities and freedom I found in the United States after arriving as a religious refugee. My parents taught me the importance of selflessness and serving others, and those values continue to guide my life and career. Every day, I strive to give back through education and service because I believe caring for humanity is both a privilege and a responsibility.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received was to continue believing in myself and never stop learning. True success comes from consistency, perseverance, and a willingness to learn, adapt, and grow.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women to pursue their education wholeheartedly and never stop learning. Nursing is built on resilience, compassion, and a genuine commitment to serving others, so embrace opportunities to care for your community and make a meaningful difference. Stay true to your purpose, cultivate kindness and empathy, and remember that your ability to nurture and uplift others is one of your greatest strengths. Always remember that "Mankind Is One" and "We are flowers of one garden", the garden of humanity. Each of us brings beauty to the world through our unique gifts and our service to humanity.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest challenges facing healthcare today is the growing need for more nurses and nurse practitioners to meet increasing patient demands. At the same time, this presents an incredible opportunity to educate, mentor, and prepare the next generation of nursing professionals. By strengthening nursing education and encouraging community engagement, we can help build a more compassionate and capable healthcare workforce.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide my life are faith, gratitude, service to humanity, resilience, compassion, and the belief that all people are connected. I believe every individual deserves dignity, respect, and culturally sensitive care. Whether I am teaching, volunteering, or caring for others, I strive to live by the principle that serving humanity is one of life’s greatest purposes. These values inspire me to lead with kindness, empathy, and a commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others."
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