West Central Reporter

Eastside Health and Rehabilitation Center Nursing Director Leigh Crane is dedicated to making each resident feel loved and like they are part of a family.

“My goal is to take optimal care of our residents and provide a homelike atmosphere for them,” Crane told West Central Reporter. “I love to form relationships with family members and make them feel like they can rest easy when they are not at the facility and know that we are taking good care of their loved one. I enjoy sitting with residents and listening to their life stories.”

Crane has worked for the Pittsfield facility for the past 14 years and has previously held the positions of CNA, floor nurse and resident care coordinator. She accepted the position as director of nursing in September 2018. Crane worked as a licensed practical nurse for 17 years before obtaining her associate’s degree in nursing and becoming a registered nurse in 2018.

Eastside Health & Rehabilitation Center Nursing Director Leigh Crane

“I choose to work for this facility because I started my nursing career as a CNA when I was still in high school,” Crane said. “The facility was able to work around my school schedule and the facility is close to home. In my position as director of nursing, I try to do the same for the staff that are in school and trying to better themselves and advance their careers.”

Crane hopes to see health care organizations get more involved in the community.

“Our facility currently attends meetings in the community with a committee called EMA Community Partners,” Crane said. “This group is working together to keep communication open through all health care facilities in Pittsfield. We recently talked about severe weather and what we can do as a community in an event of a natural disaster. We also meet quarterly with our medical director and the local hospital to work on health care issues, most recently talking about sepsis and antibiotic stewardship program.”

Crane was born in Pittsfield and currently resides in Nebo. She has been a village trustee in her community for the past eight years. She also serves on the Community Club board in Nebo, where she helps bring the community together through special events.

“In 1992, the Nebo School was torn down and the gym was left standing,” Crane said. “This building is used for events, such as the Halloween Carnival, Vin Fiz Celebration and other events such as a Quarter Auction, BBQ Cook-off and the Chili Cook-off. The Community Club is currently fundraising to raise money to keep the building in good condition. We recently raised enough money to build an outside full-size basketball court surrounded by a fence for the kids in town.”

Crane enjoys spending time with her two children and attending their multiple extracurricular activities.