How do people get to be on the Board of Nursing (in each state)?

It's a recommendation then appointment. Not a listed job, but usually vacancies are listed and information on how you can submit a letter of interest to the state governor. Most BON's include someone from government agency, some APN's, some RN's, some LPN's and some 'regular citizens'.

For example the regulations for the state of VA state, licensed members (LPN, RN, APN) must be nominated by state nursing association or equivalent:

(source: http://www.dhp.virginia.gov/nursing/leg/Chapter%2030%20Nursing.doc)

" 54.1-3002. Board of Nursing; membership; terms; meetings; quorum; administrative officer.

The Board of Nursing shall consist of thirteen members as follows: seven registered nurses, at least one of whom is a licensed nurse practitioner; three licensed practical nurses and three citizen members. The terms of office of the Board shall be four years....

54.1-3003. Qualifications of members.

A. Each professional nurse appointed to the Board shall:

1. Be a citizen of the United States of America;

2. Be a resident of this Commonwealth;

3. Have been graduated from an educational program approved by a state board of nursing;

4. Be licensed in this Commonwealth as a registered nurse;

5. Have had at least five years' experience in nursing, nursing administration or teaching in a nursing education program; and

6. Have been actively engaged in professional nursing in this Commonwealth for at least three years preceding appointment or reappointment.

B. Each licensed practical nurse appointed to the Board shall:

1. Be a citizen of the United States of America;

2. Be a resident of this Commonwealth;

3. Have been graduated from a high school or the equivalent;

4. Have been graduated from a practical nursing program approved by a state board of nursing;

5. Be licensed in this Commonwealth as a practical nurse;

6. Have had at least five years' experience in nursing; and

7. Have been actively engaged in practical nursing in this Commonwealth for at least three years preceding appointment or reappointment.

(Code 1950, 54-333; 1970, c. 116; 1985, c. 305, 54-367.9; 1988, c. 765.)

54.1-3004. Nominations.

Nominations may be made for each professional vacancy from lists of three names, submitted to the Governor by incorporated nurses associations. The Governor may notify such organizations of any professional vacancy other than by expiration. In no case shall the Governor be bound to make any appointment from among the nominees.

(1986, c. 464, 54-367.4:1; 1988, c. 765.)