How to Fill IRB for DNP Submission
The first step to start a nurse-led evidence-based practice, quality improvement, or a research project is submitting it for review by the Nursing Project Approval Council (NPAC). Once reviewed, the NPAC will issue a determination letter stating whether your DNP project requires IRB application.
If the IRB submission is needed, the Center for Nursing Research and Innovation (CNRI) is always available to work with you in the submission of your project. So, how do you get ready to submit your DNP project to the IRB?
Make sure your protection of human subjects training form is complete. Certainly, submitting your protocol to the IRB needs additional training modules beyond what is needed for NPAC review. Check out a guide on CITI Training: Course Requirements and Site Navigation for detailed instructions.
Make sure your protocol has at least one ISMMS faculty member listed as an investigator. The ISMMS allows any member of the study team to serve as principal investigator. For instance, a student may be the principal investigator for their own project. Note: All projects must have at least one ISMMS faculty member on the study team. However, if you are not already working with someone who has a faculty appointment, then the CNRI nurse researchers are faculty who can serve in the same capacity.
Be sure to create an Investigator Form (IF) to generate your project’s IF Number. The Investigator Form is used to manage potential conflicts of interest in research. You can access a detailed guide for creating an IF from the Investigator Form (IF) Instruction.
How to Submit DNP Project to the IRB Using RUTH
To submit your DNP project to the IRB using TRUTH, you have to access RUTH on or off campus using your MSHS network login and password. However, keep in mind that you will have to create your profile in RUTH by uploading your resume or CV before submitting your protocol.
Access the PPHS website, Research Roadmap IRB Submission page, and RUTH IRB Submission System page for detailed instructions and tutorials for navigating RUTH. There is additional information for investigators that you need including templates, worksheets, checklists, and standing procedures that are readily available in the RUTH Library that is within the RUTH.
To avoid delays and returned applications, consider the following:
- If your DNP project is already gone through an institutional IRB process, then send the SU IRB both the determination/email and your final approved application.
- Be sure to download the latest version of the DNP Project submission form prior to completing.
- Prior to submitting your application to the SU IRB, double check for completeness and readability.
- Ensure you and your faculty mentor have signed the application.
- Have your clinical supervisor or site liaison signed or sent a permission email to the IRB –particularly after reading your complete application.
- Make sure the PDF is of good quality, it is in the right-side up, readable and with that pages in order.
- Submit only Word docs or PDFs. JPGs format is not accepted. Moreover, the IRB will not open files provided as OneDrive or other links.
- You DNP submission should describe materials and processes in clear manner. Don’t include other attachments apart from an informed consent form if required.
- CITI certificates are not needed. Don’t include them.
