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College of Nursing

Biography

Dr. Kent-Wilkinson has been on faculty at the College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan (USask), Saskatoon Campus, since 2002. She is a full-time tenure track professor who teaches in the areas of mental health and addiction, forensic nursing, and Indigenous health issues. Arlene and her husband have two sons and five grandchildren.

Arlene completed her PhD in Education Administration from the University of Saskatchewan in 2008; her MN from the University of Calgary in 1993; her BSN from the University of Victoria in 1990; and her 3-year hospital diploma in nursing in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. In June 2026, Arlene celebrated 55 years as a RN (1971–current).

Arlene draws from a strong 30-year clinical base working in the following areas: emergency, forensic psych assessment, acute care psych, corrections, and addictions. Arlene’s teaching experience dates back to 1993, as a sessional instructor. She developed and taught the first classroom forensic nursing course globally in 1995-2002 at the University of Calgary, and online Forensic Studies in 1997-2002 at Mount Royal University. Arlene is the recipient of many provincial, national, and international awards for her work in education leadership and practice.

Dr. Kent-Wilkinson has participated in and led research teams for successful, productive outcomes that have resulted in numerous publications (over 50) and presentations (over 125) and has successfully supervised many MN and PhD students.

Research Interests

Dr. Kent-Wilkinson is PI on the following research projects:

  1. Phase III: Assessment and Diagnosis of Dementia among Older Persons in Custody;
    Phase I and Phase II completed with SHRF funding.
  2. Exploring the Secrets and Providence of the Florence Nightingale Medicine Chest at the College of Nursing

(SSHRC funded- completed)

Her research interests are as follows:

  • Mentally disordered persons in custody
  • Indigenous health education
  • Forensic nursing education
  • International education
  • Mental health and substance use education
  • Florence Nightingale Medicine Chest (Historical Research)

Dr. Kent-Wilkinson is not currently taking on any new graduate students for supervision.   

Methodology

  • Qualitative
  • Mixed methods

Courses

  • NURS 307: Integrating Mental Health and Addiction into Nursing (2009–2026)
  • NURS 367: Integrating Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders into Nursing (2027–Current)
  • NURS 441: Transitioning to Professional Practice (2015–Current)
  • NURS 486: Forensic Nursing in Secure Environments (online elective) (2020–Current)
  • NURS 814: Indigenous Health Policies (online elective) (2009–Current)

Publications

Grants

Somani, R. (PI), Li, H. (Co-PI), Kent-Wilkinson, A. (Co-A), Dell, C. (Co-A), Maina, G. (Co-A), Ogunbiyi, M. (Co-A), & Schutte, D. (Co-A), (2026–2028). Evaluating the effectiveness of mental health simulation among undergraduate nursing students: A quasi-experimental study at the University of Saskatchewan. College of Nursing Education Quality Improvement Project Grant (Equip). Grant Accepted June 16, 2026. $10,000.
Kent-Wilkinson, A. (PI), & Peternelj-Taylor, C. (CoI). (2025, April). City of Saskatoon Civic Hospitality Fund. The City of Saskatoon awarded $1,000 for conference funding for the 18th biennial Custody & Caring International Conference to be held October 1-3, 2025, in Saskatoon, SK. Adjudicated by Conventions Saskatoon [Timeframe: April, 2025 to October, 2025].
Kent-Wilkinson, A. (PI), Lagimodiere, K. (Co-PI), Jewel, L. (P), Stoliker, B. (P), Kerodal, A. (Co- I), O’Connell, M. (Co-I), Peacock, S. (Co-I), Mela, M. (CoI), Reddick, L. (S), Adelugba, O. (S), & Boone, T. (S). (2023, March 3). Dementia screening and diagnosis for older persons in custody at the Regional Psychiatric Centre. Centre for Forensic Behavioural Sciences and Justice Studies. Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF) Solutions Impact Grant #6316 in partnership with Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan. UnivRS Internal ID# 357753. Awarded $134,827 on March 3, 2023. [Timeframe: March 1, 2023 to February 28, 2025].
Kent-Wilkinson, A. (PI), & Peternelj-Taylor, C. (CoI). (2023, April 19). City of Saskatoon Civic Hospitality Fund. The City of Saskatoon awarded $1,000 for conference funding for the 18th biennial Custody & Caring International Conference to be held September 20–22, 2023, in Saskatoon, SK. Adjudicated by Conventions Saskatoon [Timeframe: April, 2023 to October, 2023].
Kent-Wilkinson, A., & Vandenberg, H. (2022, June 7). Awarded. Exploring the secrets and provenance of the ‘Florence Nightingale medicine chest’ in Canada. SSHRC Explore Grant. Awarded $6,999 on June 7, 2022. [Project Timeline: July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2024].

External Committees

  • Canadian Federation of Mental Health Nurses (CFMHN) Member: Current.
  • Canadian Forensic Nurses Association (CFNA), Member: Current.
  • Centre for Forensic Behavioural Sciences and Justice Studies (CFBSJS), Member: Current.
  • Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC), Correctional Service Canada (CSC) Member: Current.
  • Emergency Nurses Association (ENA), Member: Current
  • Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN), Mental Health Nurse Educator Interest Group member (2018–Current)
  • Canadian Federation of Mental Health Nurses (CFMHN), Education Committee member (2013–Current)
  • Canadian Federation of Mental Health Nurses (CFMHN), Standards Committee member (2020–2023)
  • Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) Regional Psychiatric Centre (RPC) and Saskatoon Parole member (2016–Current)

Honours (Medals, Fellowships, Prizes)

  • 2017: SRNA Jean Browne Award for Excellence in Nursing Practice Leadership, (College of Registered Nurses of Saskatchewan, CRNS).
  • 2002: Provincial Award of Excellence in Education, Alberta Association of Registered Nurses.
  • 2001: 2002-Exemplary Program Award, Western Association of Summer Session Admin.
  • 2001: Long Service Award, 30 years clinical practice, Alberta Association of Registered Nurses.
  • 1998: Board Member Recognition Award, International Association of Forensic Nurses.
  • 1997:Pioneer Award, International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN).
  • 1995: Volunteer Appreciation Award, Alberta Association of Registered Nurses (AARN).
  • 1994: Award for Nursing Excellence Alberta, Canadian Federation of Mental Health Nurses.
  • 1989: Excellence in Nursing Award, Nurse of the Year. Calgary General Hospital.