Ventura County Medical Center - Ventura, California

jessie

To the tall man with a beard wearing a reddish/orange shirt (it might have been a type of construction shirt), on January 16th, 2025 on Thursday at the cafeteria around 11am-12pm, thank you for buying me a cookie.

A cookie named "Hope's Cookie."

You don't understand how you made me felt that day. I had a long day and I wanted a cookie. I remember asking you "Do you know how much this cookie cost?" You stated "Let's find out." You went to the cashier and scanned the cookie. I asked you "How much was it?" and you said that the cookie was for me. I was in shock because nobody has ever done that for me before. My heart was filled with joy. My face was so red and my hands were shaking. I couldn't believe what had happened. I wanted to pay you back! I tried to go to you and say thank you, but you immediately left the door and urged me to keep it.

I wanted to run after you and properly thank you, but you were already gone. I really hope you heard me.

That cookie, "Hope's Cookie," couldn’t have been more fittingly named. You gave me hope—not just in humanity but in the power of small, genuine acts of kindness. It reminded me that even when life feels overwhelming, there are people out there who care, even in the smallest of ways.

I loved every bite of that cookie, not just for its sweetness but for what it represented: a moment of pure, unselfish kindness from a stranger. You didn’t know my struggles or how my day had been, yet your gesture turned everything around for me.

To the tall man with the beard wearing the reddish/orange shirt, thank you for reminding me that kindness still exists in this world. You made me feel seen, appreciated, and cared for in a way I didn’t think possible.

Wherever you are, I hope you know that your small act of buying me a cookie has left a big impact on my heart. I hope one day I can pay that kindness forward and make someone else feel as special as you made me feel that day.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. Bless your soul. ❤️

Elizabeth H.

Went into the ER on Sunday and I was in excruciating pain (for context I couldn't move my fingers or hands at all and could barely move my arms or walk much). While in the room they obviously checked my vitals and inserted an IV line which is to be expected but what I did not expect was to be accused by my ER nurse Beth of removing my IV line. When I saw blood I let Beth know as she walked by that it was no longer in my arm and she immediately said, "That's impossible!" and I told her that maybe it moved and fell out as I was moving around a lot in bed because of the pain. To my disbelief she then proceeded to say, "I don't believe you! sorry." I was shocked to be treated in such an unprofessional manner and even though it was difficult to speak because of my pain I still tried to explain to her that I had no reason to remove my IV line. Beth continued to insist she didn't believe me and did not clean the incision point or put anything other than a paper towel to stop the bleeding. When they prick your finger at the doctors they take more care!

To be in such a vulnerable state while not having the ability to advocate for yourself or defend yourself from the person who is supposed to help you is something I wouldn't wish on anyone. Especially to have to need a second IV line inserted only because she did not properly secure her work the first time is wrong. She later came in with my medicine and handed me three pills and told me to take them. I asked if there was a way she could help me because I didn't have the capacity to move my fingers to grab each pill; she sighed and refused to help or give me a solution. Beth said something along the lines of "Well you have to try because I'm not gonna feed them to you" so I asked if she could bring in one of my family members to help. At that point I came up with a solution myself by having her put them on the top of my hand. I temporarily did not have the use of my fingers but I wonder then how would she treat a person with a disability? Their EKG machine didn't even work and the tech removed some of the stickers until she could get a new one in at a later point in time but Beth also accused me of removing them.

Truly unbelievable and awful experience. I can't understand the lack of compassion, empathy, and professionalism of the nurses here. Why become a nurse if you have no true desire to help? Will not be returning here again and will be warning everyone I can of the nursers in the ER here.

Kirstie J.

I was living at a maternity home in Ventura, CA and was told everyone comes to VCMC for prenatal care at their regency program AFMC next door and delivers their babies at the VCMC maternity ward. This place is unprofessional. The nursing staff are talking about my partner—who is older than myself, and me when they leave my room. They refuse to take my urine after telling me to urinate for them, and the nurses are incapable of finding a decent vein for an IV drip so that I can wipe my genitals and wash my hands properly after relieving myself. I was told by another mother with a criminal record to attend CMH instead and I think after giving birth I will because I do not want these people giving my child pediatric care. I regret not taking the other mother’s advice sooner.

Blanca M.

Warning: Avoid This Hospital at All Costs!
It is crucial to refrain from bringing any family members to this facility. The overwhelming majority—99%—of the nurses and doctors appear to lack the necessary expertise, relying heavily on a plethora of so-called residents and inexperienced students. Alarmingly, these individuals are permitted to perform procedures for which they have not been adequately trained.
My mother visited this hospital three times, with her final visit finally leading to a correct diagnosis. On the first two occasions, she was sent home without proper care, only to return with a severe leg infection that necessitated surgery to drain the affected area. Prior to the surgery, she underwent another procedure in the ER intended to drain her leg. The so-called doctor or resident admitted to inadequately numbing her, failing to administer enough medication before making an incision. My mother vividly described the agonizing experience—she felt every slice of the skin and the use of scissors within the wound. This traumatic ordeal was far from the "minimal discomfort" the doctor had assured her about. Additionally, my mother had to endure a five-hour wait in the ER before being placed in a hallway for an entire day due to a lack of available rooms. When I finally walked into her temporary room, I was horrified to find it cluttered with trash— to used bandages, gauzes The cleanliness of the hospital was appalling, especially with the heightened risk of infections in such an environment.
To make matters worse, a nurse in the ER accidentally popped one of my mother's veins while attempting to insert the IV. The nurse struggled multiple times before finding a suitable vein, leaving my mother’s hand swollen and purple. It was shocking to observe such incompetence. My mother was in excruciating pain, waiting for a nurse to come in and help her adjust, as she was unable to move on her own. My sister was there with her, repeatedly calling for assistance. When a nurse finally arrived, she told my sister that she could help, placing an unfair burden on a frightened 17-year-old who had no experience. How could a nurse make such a statement? It is their responsibility to care for the patients, especially after performing a painful incision on my mother's leg.
I urge you to think twice before bringing anyone to this hospital. The lack of compassion and professionalism is alarming, and patients deserve better than to be treated as if they are inmates.

Lorena A.

My baby ended up in the NICU at just 3 days of life almost 5 months ago. As a first time mom I didn’t know what to expect and I was extremely anxious. I want to thank dearly for the nurses Jeriko and Ericka they were so sweet and professional. Also Jen, I think she’s the director of the NICU I’m not sure but she helped me so much to learn how to make the best out of pumping, she even held me and heard me when I was crying for everything that was happening in my life and I thank her deeply for the knowledge I now have is thanks to her. Ladies I will never forget about you, thank you for your dedication and for caring for your little patients so much.

karla F.

If I could give this hospital “ER” mmm 0 stars I would because they are not even worth one star. Horrible super traumatic experience!! I took my baby who is about to be one because she was crying non stop for 2 hours and all the nurse and receptionist just watched no one offered any type of help! This is the most horrible hospital ever!!!

Rebecca P.

When I used to come for my chemotherapy and got my chemo port placed all the staff and nurses were very kind and nice and respectful and FYI, the food here is amazing in the cafeteria and the addition to the hospital, it’s really nice. And the waiting room for labor and delivery It’s really nice

Serafin H.

I went to vcmc this pass week to have my baby delivered the nurses and doctors were very very kind helpful we had a fabulous experience my daughter was born so happy they gave my wife a c section and the doctor were so fabulous I would deliver there again thank ladies for delivering naydeen elva Hernandez they also treated us like kings in our vcmc suit