Special to the WJH Change has come to the nursing unit at the Ware County Health Department with the new year.
After 30 years of providing care to her community in Waycross/Ware County, Gina Burke has retired as nurse manager.
Burke, whose last day was December 23, began her tenure at the Ware County Health Department December 1, 1994.
Stepping into Burke’s former role is Terra Wykstra. She joined the Southeast Health District team in 2016 as a public health nurse.
In her time with the Southeast Health District, Burke has been a shining example of what public health nursing is all about — loving and caring about each person who enters the location, whether patient, staff, or community member.
“I’m truly honored when clients remember me for the care they received, the shot I gave, the breastfeeding help I rendered, or the home visit I made,” Burke said. “ I’m blessed many of the clients I’ve served have become lifelong friends. Just as I’ve impacted their lives, they’ve impacted mine.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity I was given to serve the people in this community. My public health experience has been both challenging and rewarding, especially during the height of the pandemic.”
In August of 2022, Burke transitioned into the nurse manager role. Even after assuming the more supervisory capacity, Burke has still offered the hands-on nursing care many knew and loved about her.
“Thirty years ago, I told Glynda Woodard she’d never be sorry if she hired me,” Burke recalled. “Today, I can truly say I’m very thankful she did! Through the highs and lows of my public health career, I’ve grown both professionally and personally.”
Wykstra moved up from public health nurse to County Nurse Manager at the Brantley County Health Department in 2021, and has held that post until now.
“Being able to help people from all areas of life is incredibly fulfilling when working in public health,” she said. “It’s priceless to know you’re contributing to the improvement of your community’s health “Serving others is a true privilege and honor, and I’m thrilled to continue my career as the County Nurse Manager of Ware County Health Department.”
For more information about district programs or services, call (855) 4734374 or visit www.sehdph. org.
