Everyone forgot they were an inexperienced New Grad at one point in their career.

Having been a nurse for umteen years, I still remember how tough old nurses used to be on us newbies. Since then I decided I would NEVER be that kind of nurse. It just wasn't fair and served no purpose.
In defense of older nurses who are still working after the C19 time, I respect and admire you!! Talk about being under appreciated and disrespected!! Yet, as I look at the younger generation of nurses, who had barely the clinical experience that was required when I was in school and then expected to work at the high level of being a professional, I am saddened. No wonder they're leaving the profession after a year or two!
There is an answer. We,of the older generation of nurses can help. We can become mentors, we can offer them help and direction and accolades. Something that most of us from the older generation found little of in the day. The motto of nurses in the sixties was , "Nurses eat their young". Seriously!!
For you awesome young nurses, don't be afraid to ask for help from the experienced nurses and don't take it personally, if one of us doesn't give in at first. We are buried in the feeling that all our experience was being blown off in the last few years. We're tired (maybe reach out and offer a hand) and maybe you will create an outstanding new relationship and friend.
I honor your efferts and determination to be a Nurse. It is a very hard yet rewarding profession. And you will never stop learning in it. Thank you for all you are and all you do!!

You are right, sort of. Nursing is hard and you need a hard shell. I had no compassion as a nursing student. My instructors ridiculed us if we made a mistake but never said great job if we didn't. You can't expect to be mollycoddled. A good instructor will guide the student but still let them stand on their own feet. I would always tell them they did a good job or if it was less than good, tell them why and what they can do to improve their performance.

However, I had an experience with a friend of mine who I was training in the NICU. I told her great job when she did well. She turned and looked at me and said," Can you not say that, please?". The next time she did something well, I didn't say anything. She looked at me and said, "How did I do?". I said "okay... Do you like that better?". She told our boss that I Wasn't being a good teacher, so she was given a new instructor and I, fortunately, had one less toxic nurse to deal with.

So, try to stay on an even keel. Don't praise them too much but review with them what worked and what didn't and what the expectations are for the next day. ..and don't be a teacher to your friends.