Being a nurse and a mother

As Mother’s Day weekend approaches and Nurses week ends, nurses who are also mothers often have double the tough job.

Nurses at the labor and delivery unit at Mountain View Hospital share a special bond.

“Definitely, all these girls here probably know more about me than anyone else,” said Laura Risner, a registered nurse.

This unit is a second home to Risner who has been working here for 10 years. It’s a career she has always dreamed of.

“I wanted to be a nurse ever since I was a little girl,” said Risner.

On an especially busy day, with 10 deliveries, Risner said even the tough days are worth it.

“It’s touching to be with moms who are first time parents,” said Risner.

Risner is a mother of four and it is that experience that helps her better relate to patients.

“All of Laura’s patients love her,” said Tammy Rumsey, a registered nurse and co-worker of Risner’s.

Risner worked the night shift for the past eight and a half years. Now on the day shift, she works three, 12-hour shifts. She says the rest of the week is devoted to her children.

Of all of the deliveries Risner has been a part of, she said the most memorable are adoptions. Risner will be working this Mother’s Day, but she said she is in good company.