"Pro" lens not performing so "Pro"

I bought the 17-55/2.8 about a year ago to have a "Pro" portrait and all-around lens for my D300 but seriously question it's focus ability. I know the lens design itself is getting older, but when shooting indoors I expect it to lock focus quicker than 2-3 seconds. I will put the focus point on an eye and if that doesn't lock I will try to movie it around until I get something more contrasty. I end up missing half the shots I want because it takes so long for the "beep" to take place. I am certainly no pro, but as stated above, I have to constantly move the focus point around to try and catch focus. Does anyone else experience this issue or have a possible explanation?

I have considered sending all my lenses along with my camera to Nikon for cleaning and testing; I just hate to be without my gear for however long and really don't know that it will do any good in the first place.

Thanks for looking!
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Jordan