Dr Reshin Maharaj

Reshin holds a PhD in nursing and a Master of Nursing from Western Sydney University. Her nursing background is in mental health. Prior to joining the University of New England in 2022, she worked at Health Careers International as the Deputy Director of Studies and as Acting Head of School (Nursing), for the Institute of Health and Management, providing academic leadership and in the development and implementation of nursing courses. She previously worked as a casual lecturer in Nursing, at Western Sydney University, Parramatta Campus. Reshin has extensive clinical experience, having worked as a Clinical Nurse Consultant with the Justice Health & Forensic Mental Health Network in a custodial setting as well as with the Community Forensic Mental Health Services (CFMHS). Within a custodial setting her role included conducting mental health assessments and providing reports to Local Courts in NSW to assist Magistrates in making informed decisions about cases involving individuals with mental health problems.  Her role with the CFMHS involved conducting risk assessments and formulating management plans for forensic patients and high-risk civil patients across 15 Local Health Districts within New South Wales. With 23 years’ experience as a mental health nurse, Reshin has also worked in a range of adult mental health settings, including the acute unit, rehabilitation unit and the forensic unit within the Western Sydney Local Health District.

Reshin’s research career is gradually developing and she has conducted clinical research using qualitative and mixed methods study. She is a member of the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses and was one of the first nurses in Australia to be formally recognised as a Credentialled Mental Health Nurse. She is committed to providing quality education and learning experiences for students and has achieved the status of Fellow (FHEA), in recognition of attainment against the UK Professional Standards Framework for teaching and learning support in higher education.