Marine Corps Fund “Nita Newborn” Manikin to Save Lives

The U.S. Marine Corps acted nothing like their nickname “Devil Dogs” might sound, as they presented a check to St. John West Shore Hospital to fund a 4 pound, 16" female manikin called "Nita Newborn" Nita is used to practice inserting IV lines into tiny veins.

The representing donors of the Marine Corps were Bob Harris, the pack leader (president); Chuck Kiessling, the dog robber (treasurer); and Ron Kiessling, the smart dog (legal beagle). They received a tour of the Pediatric Unit and presented the check to St. John West Shore Hospital Interim President Cliff J. Coker and Katie Dixon, Clinical Manager of the Pediatric Department.

The Marine Corps annually donates to a hospital that seeks children-related aid. Ron Kiessling met Jennifer Weber, Manager of Fund Development at the hospital, through another organization and learned how helpful the Nita manikin would be to saving lives at St. John West Shore Hospital.

“Helping the youth is something we have been doing for 44 years,” Chuck Kiessling said. “It’s great for us to help children this way.”

“I love working with kids,” said Harris, who is involved with several other charitable organizations in the area, including Toys For Tots.

The Marines explained that their nickname is “Devil Dogs” because Germany, who feared the United States during WWII, said “Here comes the devil dogs!” on the United States’ first armed forces encounter against Germany. The nickname has stuck with them ever since.
The manikin is perfect for practicing vascular access in infants and newborns.

“The doll will be very beneficial because she’ll be able to provide experience for the nursing staff to become confident in placing feeding tubes and IV infusions in tiny infants,” said Dixon. “I really appreciate the Marine Corps’ generosity to the hospital.”

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