Tweety

It's a vile phrase that has been out there for decades and is largely a myth.
There is a movement spearheaded by Nurse Blake that perpetuates this myth but also is calling on experienced nurses to be more supportive. So this might be why you are hearing it more these days.
Sign The Pledge: Nurses Support Their Young | Nurse.org
Nursing is a tough and demanding profession and that first year is indeed tough, especially in hospitals. When orientation is over, it's over, and it's time to put on your big person clothes and bite the bullet and get out there and work. Nurses are deep in their own heavy patient loads and often don't have the time to be helpful and supportive. Don't take this to mean that they enjoy watching you sink.
Yes, there are some bad nurses out there and sensitive new grads come across one bad moment and then say "nurses eat their young!" which brands every single nurse, and the profession, and that's not fair.
Work hard, ask for help when you need it as busy floor nurses can't read your mind and know when you are drowning and need help, but they aren't going to do your work for you or hold your hand.
Good luck!!

Nurses are fond of saying "my license is on the line". It's relatively rare to permanently loose one's license. Having suspensions is more common. Your BON should publish those with suspensions and revocations.
Most people loose their license over drugs and alcohol.
I've seen a nurse get suspended for a year for giving a medication without an order thinking the doc would back her up....wrong.

Sometimes it's jealousy. They know they want the help and they know you're making more to do the same job.
Sometimes their experience with Agency nurses is not good. I have to say a few the agency nurses around here, especially the ones on night shift are not very good. (A few are outstanding as well.) There were times as a charge nurse I chose to take a patient load rather than have certain agency nurses in. If they are going to make that kind of money, you think they would work for it.
Agency nurses are sometimes very quick to point out their salaries, why the work agency and how stupid you are for being staff. Travel nurses can come to an established units, "humph....this isn't the way we do it in New York".
Sometimes staff nurses can be trolls. Good luck.