TONI BISHOP-MCWAIN
Chief Nursing Officers
HOMETOWN: GLENS FALLS, NEW YORK 1991 GRADUATE OF SUNY ADIRONDACK WITH A DEGREE IN NURSING 2013 GRADUATE OF SACRED HEART UNIVERSITY WITH A BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN NURSING 2014 GRADUATE OF SACRED HEART UNIVERSITY WITH A MASTER’S DEGREE IN NURSING 2019 GRADUATE OF SAINT FRANCIS MEDICAL CENTER COLLEGE OF NURSING WITH A DOCTORATE IN NURSING PRACTICE CURRENTLY: CHIEF NURSING OFFICER AT SARATOGA HOSPITAL
Toni Bishop-McWain was a teenager when her grandfather became ill and she discovered her life’s passion. “Observing the care he received, I felt called to be there in the hospital to help and care for people,” said Bishop-McWain, who was given an opportunity to pursue a nursing education at SUNY Adirondack when the Warren Washington Medical Auxiliary offered her a scholarship. “Without that organization and the women who founded it, I never would have gone on to be a nurse,” Bishop-McWain said. After graduating from SUNY Adirondack, Bishop-McWain went on to work as a critical care nurse.
“In a critical care unit, you’re not only saving lives, but you’re caring for the families, too,” she said. “The connection you have to the community, the patient and their family is so rewarding.” Over the years, Bishop-McWain continued her education and moved up the ranks of nursing administration. She worked as a nurse manager, earned bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees, and, in 2021, was named chief nursing officer (CNO) at Saratoga Hospital.
As CNO, Bishop-McWain is responsible for the quality of care delivered, which is determined by infection rates, patient satisfaction, and recruitment and retention of nurses. The latter has proven difficult since the COVID-19 pandemic. “We know nurses are leaving the field because the pandemic put so much strain on them,” she said. “Nursing has changed a lot, and it’s tough right now.” Even after more than 30 years as a nurse, Bishop-McWain still feels called to the field. “I have faith that the next generation of nurses will provide compassionate care and reflect an ongoing dedication to our patients.”
FUN FACT
TONI BISHOP-MCWAIN IS A 2023 SUNY ADIRONDACK TRAILBLAZER, AN HONOR BESTOWED UPON SUNY ADIRONDACK ALUMNI WHO HAVE ACHIEVED OUTSTANDING PROFESSIONAL SUCCESS, HAD A TREMENDOUS PHILANTHROPIC IMPACT ON THEIR COMMUNITIES AND GIVE BACK THROUGH COMMUNITY SERVICE.