Nurse Residency Program vs. Entry Level/New Grad Nurse Jobs?

[CassColl]

I am curious of people's opinions and experiences of nurse residency programs vs. a entry level/new graduate nurse job right out of school.

Some background about me:

I am currently in an accelerated nursing program (half-way done and graduating in December 2018). I graduated in May 2017 with another degree (B.S. in Nutrition, Dietetics). I am also a nursing assistant in the OR (even though I am not sure if this is the specialty I want to be in). I am currently in the Philadelphia area, but also considering moving to Baltimore.

With all the "extra" experience I have, I am not sure if a nurse residency program is for me? I will have been in school for 5.5 years straight between my first BS degree and my second degree (BSN). I am kind of sick of "school work" and heard that in residency programs you have to go to class and complete projects. However, I heard that they are good programs to do to "learn" your specialty. I am not sure what specialty I would like to go in yet, however. Do entry level/new grad positions offer enough orientation for new nurses?

Also, I was researching that some programs do not guarantee a job after the program is over? Also, that some residency programs pay way less than a RN job.

Please share your experiences and any advice!

Thank you!