A Bridgeport woman whose daughter is on life support says her family is being hit hard by a nursing shortage caused by the pandemic.

Amber Rogers, 36, has spinal muscular atrophy and has always lived at home on life support.

Operating her ventilator is second nature to her mom, Venus, and sister, who underwent special training as immediate family members to care for their loved one.

Venus Rogers says only RNs or LPNs are certified to provide this level of care. She says a severe shortage of those health care professionals due to the pandemic left them doing the job themselves around the clock even though Amber's insurance would pay for specialist care 20 hours a day.

“I'm willing to give my life to her, but I need some help,” says Venus Rogers. “I can't do it all by myself and if I put her in a home, she'll die."

Patty Newton, the owner of a home care agency, says the problem is very real, because RNs and LPNs are in high demand at top dollar due to the pandemic.

"They would rather not take a job at a home care agency at a regular rate because the hospitals and convalescent homes are offering double the amount of pay," she told News 12.

Amber's mom says that's leaving her with double the amount of responsibility and stress. On top of that, December marks four years since Amber’s father died of a heart attack.

"I really need to pray that the future gets brighter and better for us because it's been – we do nothing but suffer,” says Venus Rodger.

Rogers says as soon as a vaccine is available, her family will be among the first in line to get it.