We are thrilled to celebrate the exceptional individuals who have earned the honor of being named GAPNA's Rising Stars. These outstanding professionals have been selected by our board for their unwavering passion and dedication to advancing GAPNA's mission — promoting excellence in advanced practice nursing to enhance the well-being of older adults.
Our Rising Stars are more than just emerging leaders; they are trailblazers who actively contribute to the future of nursing with innovative ideas, collaborative spirit, and a deep commitment to improving care for older adults. Their enthusiasm, dedication, and vision inspire us all to continue striving for excellence in every aspect of advanced practice nursing.
Join us in celebrating our latest Rising Star – Bethany Duyser!
Name and credentials:
Bethany Duyser, DNP, RN, AGPCNP
Where you earned your degree(s):
BSN, University of Cincinnati, 2008
MSN, University of Illinois–Chicago, 2012
DNP, Michigan State University, 2022
Employer and title:
Assistant Director, IMPART Alliance
Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Describe a day in the life:
Bethany spends most of her time delivering a statewide training program to direct care workers who provide long-term supports and services to older adults and people with disabilities. Her work includes developing evidence-based education, supporting trainers, collecting evaluation data, and—her favorite part—training students on person-centered care.
A typical day starts with getting her three kids to school, followed by meetings with stakeholders across Michigan about advancing the direct care workforce, improving training programs, and teaching classes online or in clinical skills labs.
What inspired you to work in geriatrics:
Bethany’s interest in geriatrics began early in her career while working night shifts in the ICU. There, she saw firsthand how hands-on nursing care impacts delirium prevention, infection control, wound healing, and nutrition—particularly in older adults. This experience challenged the common misconception that geriatric nursing is “easy” or “boring,” and instead revealed the complexity and importance of caring for older adults.
She now works to counter ageist beliefs that undervalue both older adults’ health needs and the professionals who care for them.
How do you see the field of geriatrics evolving in the future:
Bethany envisions long-term support and services becoming more fully integrated into policy, research, and clinical practice. She believes communities with aging populations will need to better understand the interdependence between acute care, primary care, and long-term care.
She also foresees greater recognition of the patient–caregiver relationship as the central unit of care and increased incentives for nursing and medicine to strengthen their roles as support structures.
What is your favorite part of your job:
Teaching clinical skills and judgment to direct care workers is what Bethany loves most. She finds great fulfillment in helping DCWs build confidence and competence, challenging the misconception that their work is “unskilled.” By empowering these professionals, Bethany helps elevate the quality and respect of direct care services.
Hobbies/Favorite activities:
Reading, nature walks with her kids and enjoying beach days on Lake Michigan.
Describe where you hope to be in 5 years in your career:
In the next five years, Bethany hopes to continue developing programming that improves care outcomes by investing in and supporting the professionals who deliver that care. “This is a people-powered profession,” she says, “and the best way to make an impact is to invest in the people providing care.”
How long have you been a GAPNA member:
Member since 2012
How and why did you get involved with GAPNA as a leader:
Bethany joined for continuing education and stayed for the professional diversity and community. Through GAPNA, she’s discovered the many different roles nurse practitioners can have and has met inspiring members across a variety of settings.
Any workplace honors you’d like to mention:
One of Bethany’s greatest honors is volunteering with her local multidisciplinary team dedicated to ending elder abuse.