Who's in charge of your career advancement? Do you wait for the supervisors in your department to recognize your skills and recommend you for promotions? With the ongoing nursing shortage, do you think you're set for the rest of your career?

If you want to advance and move forward in your career, take matters into your own hands. No one is in charge of your career except you, and it's up to you to find the best opportunities and make the most effective moves.

Think about what you do every day in your job.

Do you simply report to work and go through the motions? Has your current position lost its appeal and challenge? If so, it's probably time for a fresh approach.

Don't make the mistake of waiting for external factors to get you charged up; you need to step up.

Here are several steps you can take to get a new outlook, enjoy your current job more thoroughly or meet challenges head-on.

Find a mentor. Choose someone who appears to have moved along in his or her career at a pace you envy. People relish being asked for advice and guidance. Find a successful person who is already where you would like to be, and treat him or her to a cup of coffee. Query him or her about how he or she has become successful. Ask about pitfalls to avoid.

Be a mentor. Sometimes the best way to challenge yourself is to take another person under your wing. Think back to your biggest challenges earlier in your career and share those lessons with a newer nurse. This not only will help you remember why you chose nursing but also can help keep your enthusiasm for the field alive.

Learn at least one new thing each day. Constantly re-educate yourself to keep up with the evolving workplace and the changing trends in health care. Read health care publications related to your field. Check out online journals and other resources. Stay ahead of the times or you'll lag behind. If you're not learning something, you're getting stagnant.

Give more than what people expect of you. You'll be extraordinary and stand out to your supervisor or manager if you do a better job than your bosses expect. If you give only what's expected, you'll be mediocre. Going beyond the baseline of what's required in your job can earn respect and get you noticed by those who may be able to help in your career advancement.

Get organized. Get on top of your game and stay there, respecting deadlines and making sure you're thorough and detail-oriented. If you have problems with managing time, develop a system that works for you, with calendars, lists, colored folders or computer reminders. Enlist the help of others, if necessary.

Take continuing education classes. Look for classes that can expand your base of knowledge and broaden your experience. Step outside your immediate field for workshops or seminars to learn about a new area in health care. While you're in a class, network with other participants.

Volunteer for committees. Step up and help with a department project or a community program. Then make sure you do your part to ensure success. Supervisors notice those who are willing to be contributors in the workplace.

Remember that you're in charge of your success. By realizing that you're the key to your career path, you can make decisions that lead to advancement.