The NLN is largely used as an assessment tool. It measures where a student falls within the learning process, it is used by hospitals and other nursing employment agencies to measure a nurse's abilities. It is like getting a baseline. As far as measuring drip rates, well I think we are on the cusp of never having to that again. Until... there are still times in nursing when you must utilize this skill. The NLN tests are available to institutions only. I would think that the NCLEX would be sufficient for review. Hope this helps.