Dalla Simon-Eveillard
March 2025
Dalla
Simon-Eveillard
,
RN
Primary Care
Miami VA Healthcare System
Miami
,
FL
United States
Her support is tangible and heartfelt, often extending to attending funerals to pay her respects and provide comfort, demonstrating an extraordinary level of empathy and connection that goes well beyond the clinical setting.
Ms. Simon exemplifies the VA ICARE principles of integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence in every aspect of her nursing practice. As a Registered Nurse with 30 years of experience and nearly 16 years of dedicated service at the VA, she currently serves as a Nurse Case Manager for Broward County, where she is assigned to 20 PACT teams across multiple clinics, including Broward, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, and Deerfield Beach CBOC. Her unwavering commitment to veteran care is evident in her outstanding attendance record, uplifting demeanor, and tireless work ethic, ensuring that veterans receive the comprehensive care and support they need. Not only is she a highly skilled clinician, but she is also a compassionate advocate who profoundly transforms the lives of veterans and their families.
Demonstration of VA ICARE Principles in Action
Integrity & Commitment: Ensuring Veterans Find Peace and Connection
Ms. Simon's deep commitment to veterans goes beyond clinical duties. One particularly touching example is her role in reuniting a dying veteran with his estranged son. This veteran, whose only wish was to see his son after years of separation, faced rejection multiple times. Ms. Simon remained persistent, making several calls and advocating for the importance of this final meeting. After numerous attempts, she successfully convinced the son to visit. The veteran not only reconciled with his son but also met his grandchildren for the first time. After the visit, the veteran expressed a profound sense of peace, emotional fulfillment, and readiness to embrace whatever lay ahead. He felt a weight lifted, now secure in the knowledge that he had reconciled with his family. Ms. Simon’s advocacy provided this veteran with a sense of closure, fulfillment, and dignity in his final days, exemplifying the true essence of integrity and commitment in veteran care.
Advocacy & Respect: Restoring a Veteran's Sense of Stability and Joy
Another veteran under Ms. Simon's care lived alone and adamantly refused nursing home placement. He became withdrawn and suddenly exhibited signs of sadness and depression. During her thorough assessment, Ms. Simon discovered that his emotional distress stemmed from the loss of a long-time caregiver with whom he had formed a strong bond. She offered him mental health support and FAST TRACK services, but he declined. Rather than giving up, she took it upon herself to advocate for him by persistently contacting the home health agency and encouraging the veteran to do the same. After days of persistence, she successfully facilitated the return of his beloved aide, immediately restoring his happiness and emotional well-being. This simple yet profound intervention significantly improved the veteran’s quality of life and showcased her unwavering dedication to both medical and emotional support for veterans. Ms. Simon’s commitment to advocacy is ongoing, as she personally checks on veterans living alone after hours. Through regular phone calls, she assesses their health, ensures they have access to food, and provides medication reminders, all with genuine compassion and care that define her nursing practice.
Aside from patient care, Ms. Simon's compassion is far-reaching; she stands by the families of veterans during their most challenging times. Her support is tangible and heartfelt, often extending to attending funerals to pay her respects and provide comfort, demonstrating an extraordinary level of empathy and connection that goes well beyond the clinical setting. In every action, Ms. Simon illustrates the profound impact an individual can have on the lives of those who have served, embodying a spirit of care that is both inspiring and invaluable.
Excellence: A Leader and Mentor in the Nursing Community
Beyond her essential case management responsibility, Ms. Simon serves as a pillar of support for the Broward Clinic. She actively participates in all FAST TEAM calls, providing valuable insights and assistance to the team. Whenever RNs and LPNs encounter challenges, she is quick to lend a helping hand, exemplifying true teamwork and collaboration. Ms. Simon goes above and beyond by diligently researching educational pathways and scholarship opportunities, empowering her fellow nurses to seek advanced degrees and enhancing their professional journeys. Her colleagues often describe her as a beacon of wisdom and encouragement, always willing to lend an ear or provide invaluable advice. Her commitment to the future of the nursing profession is profound and palpable.
Ms. Simon demonstrates exceptional leadership through various team-building initiatives designed to uplift morale and foster a strong sense of camaraderie among staff members. She devotes countless hours to orchestrating the highly anticipated annual Christmas Toy Gift Giving event, taking a personal interest in ensuring that veterans and their families receive gifts and experience heartfelt joy and togetherness during the holiday season.
Demonstration of VA ICARE Principles in Action
Integrity & Commitment: Ensuring Veterans Find Peace and Connection
Ms. Simon's deep commitment to veterans goes beyond clinical duties. One particularly touching example is her role in reuniting a dying veteran with his estranged son. This veteran, whose only wish was to see his son after years of separation, faced rejection multiple times. Ms. Simon remained persistent, making several calls and advocating for the importance of this final meeting. After numerous attempts, she successfully convinced the son to visit. The veteran not only reconciled with his son but also met his grandchildren for the first time. After the visit, the veteran expressed a profound sense of peace, emotional fulfillment, and readiness to embrace whatever lay ahead. He felt a weight lifted, now secure in the knowledge that he had reconciled with his family. Ms. Simon’s advocacy provided this veteran with a sense of closure, fulfillment, and dignity in his final days, exemplifying the true essence of integrity and commitment in veteran care.
Advocacy & Respect: Restoring a Veteran's Sense of Stability and Joy
Another veteran under Ms. Simon's care lived alone and adamantly refused nursing home placement. He became withdrawn and suddenly exhibited signs of sadness and depression. During her thorough assessment, Ms. Simon discovered that his emotional distress stemmed from the loss of a long-time caregiver with whom he had formed a strong bond. She offered him mental health support and FAST TRACK services, but he declined. Rather than giving up, she took it upon herself to advocate for him by persistently contacting the home health agency and encouraging the veteran to do the same. After days of persistence, she successfully facilitated the return of his beloved aide, immediately restoring his happiness and emotional well-being. This simple yet profound intervention significantly improved the veteran’s quality of life and showcased her unwavering dedication to both medical and emotional support for veterans. Ms. Simon’s commitment to advocacy is ongoing, as she personally checks on veterans living alone after hours. Through regular phone calls, she assesses their health, ensures they have access to food, and provides medication reminders, all with genuine compassion and care that define her nursing practice.
Aside from patient care, Ms. Simon's compassion is far-reaching; she stands by the families of veterans during their most challenging times. Her support is tangible and heartfelt, often extending to attending funerals to pay her respects and provide comfort, demonstrating an extraordinary level of empathy and connection that goes well beyond the clinical setting. In every action, Ms. Simon illustrates the profound impact an individual can have on the lives of those who have served, embodying a spirit of care that is both inspiring and invaluable.
Excellence: A Leader and Mentor in the Nursing Community
Beyond her essential case management responsibility, Ms. Simon serves as a pillar of support for the Broward Clinic. She actively participates in all FAST TEAM calls, providing valuable insights and assistance to the team. Whenever RNs and LPNs encounter challenges, she is quick to lend a helping hand, exemplifying true teamwork and collaboration. Ms. Simon goes above and beyond by diligently researching educational pathways and scholarship opportunities, empowering her fellow nurses to seek advanced degrees and enhancing their professional journeys. Her colleagues often describe her as a beacon of wisdom and encouragement, always willing to lend an ear or provide invaluable advice. Her commitment to the future of the nursing profession is profound and palpable.
Ms. Simon demonstrates exceptional leadership through various team-building initiatives designed to uplift morale and foster a strong sense of camaraderie among staff members. She devotes countless hours to orchestrating the highly anticipated annual Christmas Toy Gift Giving event, taking a personal interest in ensuring that veterans and their families receive gifts and experience heartfelt joy and togetherness during the holiday season.
Despite her demanding workload, she embraces the challenge of organizing meaningful events such as Breast Cancer Awareness activities that provide vital education and support, and vibrant Nurses' Week celebrations that honor the dedication and contributions of nursing staff. Her attention to detail shines in the Thanksgiving gatherings and festive Christmas parties, where she creates a warm and inviting atmosphere for colleagues to express gratitude and share in the spirit of the season. She meticulously oversees every aspect of these occasions, from selecting themes and decorations to coordinating with catering services, ensuring that her colleagues feel genuinely valued and appreciated for their hard work. With her firm conviction that the workplace should be a joyous and enriching environment, Ms. Simon tirelessly cultivates a positive atmosphere at the VA, creating a place where every staff member can thrive both personally and professionally.
Going Beyond: Serving the Community Outside of Work
Ms. Simon's dedication to compassion extends far beyond her professional obligations. One weekend, she dedicated her time to meticulously assembling care packages that included essential hygiene supplies, such as fragrant soaps, soft toothbrushes, and necessary feminine hygiene products. Alongside these essentials, she thoughtfully provided gift cards to local grocery stores and popular fast-food chains, ensuring recipients had access to nutritious food and comforting meals. Once her care packages were packed with love and intention, Ms. Simon took the initiative to personally distribute them to individuals experiencing homelessness in various neighborhoods across Broward County. She often visits areas where the need is most acute, engaging with those she meets, listening to their stories, and offering material support, companionship, and understanding.
Going Beyond: Serving the Community Outside of Work
Ms. Simon's dedication to compassion extends far beyond her professional obligations. One weekend, she dedicated her time to meticulously assembling care packages that included essential hygiene supplies, such as fragrant soaps, soft toothbrushes, and necessary feminine hygiene products. Alongside these essentials, she thoughtfully provided gift cards to local grocery stores and popular fast-food chains, ensuring recipients had access to nutritious food and comforting meals. Once her care packages were packed with love and intention, Ms. Simon took the initiative to personally distribute them to individuals experiencing homelessness in various neighborhoods across Broward County. She often visits areas where the need is most acute, engaging with those she meets, listening to their stories, and offering material support, companionship, and understanding.
Moreover, her dedication to serving the underserved knows no borders. Ms. Simon actively participates in mission trips to third-world countries, providing much-needed medical care and support to vulnerable populations with limited access to healthcare services. Her selfless actions in these communities demonstrate a global commitment to improving lives, underscoring her conviction in the transformative power of humanitarian efforts. Ms. Simon’s unwavering dedication to uplifting those in need is a powerful testament to her desire to make a meaningful impact, whether within the walls of a clinical environment, on the streets of Broward County, or in distant communities abroad. Through her actions, she provides not only material support but also a sense of dignity, hope, and compassion to those who are often overlooked and underserved.
Conclusion: A True DAISY Nurse
Ms. Simon embodies what it means to be an outstanding nurse, leader, and humanitarian. She has positively impacted countless lives through her tireless advocacy, unwavering dedication to veterans, mentorship of her colleagues, and selfless community service. Her ability to comfort the dying, restore hope to the lonely, and inspire those around her makes her a true DAISY Nurse.
Conclusion: A True DAISY Nurse
Ms. Simon embodies what it means to be an outstanding nurse, leader, and humanitarian. She has positively impacted countless lives through her tireless advocacy, unwavering dedication to veterans, mentorship of her colleagues, and selfless community service. Her ability to comfort the dying, restore hope to the lonely, and inspire those around her makes her a true DAISY Nurse.