DEAR ABBY: I'm 28 and have been a licensed practical nurse since 2007. Although I've been a nurse for nine years, I feel incompetent and like I haven't learned much over the years. I pray every day I go to work that no serious situations arise because I'm afraid I won't be able to handle them correctly. Many people have suggested I further my education and become an RN, but I feel it would be a waste because I don't feel smart enough. What should I do? -- WARY IN OHIO
DEAR WARY: I think you should challenge yourself and take some of those classes to further your education. If you do well in them, continue. If not, you can look for another line of work then.
However, before you do anything else, please talk with a licensed mental health professional to get to the reasons for your low self-esteem. Those feelings of inadequacy may be what are holding you back and preventing you from enjoying the important work you do.