Silver Cross Stroke Program Coordinator Making a Difference Every Day 

A couple times since graduating high school, Genevieve Shimkus stood at a crossroads with difficult decisions to make.

After an early career in medical records, Shimkus found herself at a plateau – personally and professionally – along with a young child to support while moving back into her parents’ home.

“The office manager at the medical group where I was working told me I could do anything I put my mind to. I owe her a lot for her encouragement,” Shimkus said.

So do the myriad stroke patients and hospital staff whom Shimkus has guided as Stroke Program Coordinator at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox.

“I started my nursing career on the medical-surgical/neurology unit and fell in love with neuro,” she said. “There is nothing simple about neuro. It’s so complex, which is what I love about it, but it’s also why some don’t share the same affinity for neuro as I do. There is a lot of critical thinking involved in neuro patient care, and I continue to learn something new every day.”

Pursuing a Nursing Career

Years of seeing interesting medical cases during her medical records career and the faces of people they belonged to piqued Shimkus’ interest in pursuing a nursing degree.

Following two years at Joliet Junior College, Shimkus attended the University of St. Francis for her bachelor’s degree in nursing. Several clinical rotations at Silver Cross as a student nurse convinced her that’s where she wanted to be after graduation.

“The atmosphere here is unmatched. I learned so much, and the staff seemed very happy and proud to work for Silver, which really stood out to me.”

Destined for the Job

Mentors suggested she go into med/surg nursing after graduation to get a broader medical experience, and she ended up on the hospital’s neuro floor. In 2018, she joined the Silver Cross Stroke Committee as a floor nurse/stroke champion for Unit 6-2 and transitioned into the role as Stroke Coordinator nearly three years ago.

“Our stroke program involves so many different areas of the hospital – EMS, emergency department, CT, the catheterization lab, intensive care unit, stroke unit, rehab unit – to our Stroke Support Group. Our program continues to grow, and we have an amazing multidisciplinary team that is dedicated to making this program the best it can be.

“We strive to deliver the best stroke care to give our patients the best outcomes possible with the hopes of reducing long-term disability.”

Outcomes Improving

Shimkus pointed to examples of two breakthroughs that help stroke patients who are brought into Silver Cross. One is an enhanced CT scan that allows responders to see a major arterial blockage in a fraction of the time.

The other is the drug, Tenecteplase – or TNK – used to treat heart attacks, but several years ago, doctors saw its clot-busting attributes worked on stroke patients as well.

“We just used it on a patient today,” she said. “And it worked great.”

Shimkus enjoys working with patients and their families, having had some first-hand knowledge of how strokes affect the entire family.

“My grandfather had a stroke when I was a teenager,” she said. “He had some mild symptoms at first, but it got progressively worse after a couple days. He lived, but never did get back all of his functions completely. I saw how his disability affected the rest of the family in having to care for him. I always wondered if it would have been different had we known the signs.”

In addition to handling the administrative duties of the stroke department, such as accreditation and making sure standards are up to date, Shimkus said she will head to another floor if she hears the signal for a stroke occurring.

“No two strokes present the same way,” she explained. “So, I’m there to assist in any way I can.”

Strength in Support

Shimkus has gained some insight as a facilitator of the Silver Cross Stroke Support Group, which meets monthly. Any stroke patients are welcome to attend, no matter when they had their stroke or where they received their initial treatment. 

“We get older stroke patients who are able to tell the newer ones how they have improved through therapy over the years. I think it helps those newer patients have more hope,” she added. “The stroke survivors in our Stroke Support Group are very inspiring. They are open to sharing their stories, feelings and obstacles, and how they persevere with their recovery, by celebrating the small victories. 

“I’m truly inspired every day I come in to work to always be a better nurse, patient advocate, leader, educator and role model. I work with the best of the best people! This is the hardest and most rewarding job I’ve ever had, and I just hope I can make a difference.

About the Midwest Institute for Neurosciences at Silver Cross Hospital

When it comes to treating stroke, time is brain. The sooner the care, the better the outcome. 

Silver Cross Hospital’s stroke program is part of our larger Midwest Institute for Neurosciences at Silver Cross Hospital, which provides the very latest care for brain and spine disorders, including stroke.

Thanks to leading specialists that cover every aspect of neurological care and the hospital’s partnerships with the University of Chicago Medicine and Shirley Ryan AbilityLab at Silver Cross, we’ve assembled the very best of the best and brought them to Silver Cross in New Lenox. Our comprehensive stroke program features everything our patients need starting with a prompt diagnosis; the latest clot-busting therapies; remote monitoring through our tele-stroke program; interventional procedures using the most advanced equipment available anywhere; excellent inpatient care; world-class inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation care; and a monthly support group.

And for patients’ added peace of mind, Silver Cross is certified by the Joint Commission as an Advanced Primary Stroke Center. That means Silver Cross has all the care, technology and resources you or your loved ones need for the highest-quality stroke care and the very best outcomes.

To learn more about Stroke Care at Silver Cross Hospital, visit silvercross.org/neuro.