Anyone qualifying this year actually joinning the RPS?

[proportionalset]

I found the society VERY hostile and unwelcoming at the start of my pre-reg. I phoned them to enquire as to why they had failed to send me my training folder weeks after all my colleagues at my hospital had received them i.e. their mistake; and I was given the very blunt answer ‘’ WE DON’T DEAL WITH PRE-REGS AFTER FOUR PM’’. I couldn’t believe it. While guess what, I don’t deal with the society now I am qualified. If they actually did a decent job of representing the profession, and improving the standing of the profession as a whole I’d consider joining. Till then no chance. Anyone qualifying this year actually joining?

[Nik]

It was still technically the RPSGB until September last year, and the RPS wouldn't have been involved in the pre-reg year, it would've been the GPhC. However, it would be interesting to see after this year's pre-reg exam debacle whether RPS membership will go up or will take a direct hit as many seem to have been disillusioned with the GPhC.

[laurabuk]

I'm joining!

[jzd4rma]

Absolutely nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo! I might just buy the MEP!

[kl06229]

Submitting my application on their site right now. Or trying to. Gosh it takes so long to load.

[Tony Schofield]

The RPS purports to represent all pharmacists. As it isn't yet a splinter group or vested interest (with all due respect to the NPA and PDA) it has a bit of clout. It is currently getting stuck into issues the old RPSGB should have addressed, including work place stress. As newly qualified pharmacists will be going into a really stressful environment when they start work I would have thought it would be in their interests to join, strengthen and contribute towards the professional body.

[jzd4rma]

The RPS purports to represent all pharmacists. As it isn't yet a splinter group or vested interest (with all due respect to the NPA and PDA) it has a bit of clout. It is currently getting stuck into issues the old RPSGB should have addressed, including work place stress. As newly qualified pharmacists will be going into a really stressful environment when they start work I would have thought it would be in their interests to join, strengthen and contribute towards the professional body.

If this was true then I would have joined up with the RPS because I need all the support when I start as a pharmacist but i am quite sceptical on how much the RPS can actually do for the mere pharmacist. Perfect example is the recent exam debacle I don't see the RPS having done much about it! I have more faith in the PDA!

[Tony Schofield]

The RPS cannot control the actions of the GPhC. They do have influence currently at a national level and no doubt harsh questions will be asked and input into next years exams will happen. That however is a small issue which will be sorted out. Do you want PSNC, the NPA or CCA representing you on workplace stress (a much bigger issue)? The PDA is excellent but will need all the help it can get. The RPS supporting, as it is now, would be immense if it was seen as "the" impartial professional body as opposed to being a vested interest as everything else is.

The RPS has only been going a short while and I am very impressed with it so far. I'd urge you all to join.

[jzd4rma]

The RPS cannot control the actions of the GPhC. They do have influence currently at a national level and no doubt harsh questions will be asked and input into next years exams will happen. That however is a small issue which will be sorted out. Do you want PSNC, the NPA or CCA representing you on workplace stress (a much bigger issue)? The PDA is excellent but will need all the help it can get. The RPS supporting, as it is now, would be immense if it was seen as "the" impartial professional body as opposed to being a vested interest as everything else is.

The RPS has only been going a short while and I am very impressed with it so far. I'd urge you all to join.

I agree with Tony but I am going to sit on the fence on that issue I want to see what happens the problem is I know some people who are the so called movers and shakers in RPS and believe if those are the people lobbying on behalf of us then god help us. And before anyone says I would like to see you do better I am seriously considering getting into pharmacy polictics because I notice a lot of us complain about our working conditions but few of us are making the stand! But I am trying to find a suitable avenue any ideas?

[Tony Schofield]

Absolutely!! There will be new elections I think in the New Year so stand. I can assure you of my vote as I want to see young blood in the profession