Verbal Exchanges, problem solving.

So, in my post a few minutes ago, I was bemoaning my lack of verbal problem solving techiques. I have only to cast my mind back to thismorning when I was conversing with a nurse on the phone. She was calling regarding a hemogram on patient X in PACU (post-op in other words). Here is a transcript of what I said, more or less.
Nurse: I'm calling about a hemogram on Mr. X, it was drawn about a half hour ago.
Me: (looking in computer for info on X's labs). Was it the one we drew at about 1211 ? (this exchange is occuring at 1240)
Nurse: NO, it was the one half an hour ago!
Me: (short puzzled silence, since there was no trace of sarcasm in her voice). Well, let's look at the hemogram from 1211.
Nurse: I want the results! All it shows in my computer is that the specimen is being processed!
Omnitient narrator: When LastWord, the nursing program for tracking and entering patient data, including labs, shows "in process", it means that the specimen is literally being tested at that very moment, and that nothing can accellerate the testing process. Once a hemogram is on the machine, no amount of righteous indignation will speed the test!
Me: ( looking directly at the results in the computer), Well, I'm showing that not only has the spec. been processed, but it's been resulted.
Nurse: (Fury with the insufferable puke at the other end of the line showing in every word), Well where do I look for results!!!!
Me: (trying to be diplomatic, but barely containing my mirth at her incompetance). I don't use LastWord, you might try looking where you would otherwise normally look for lab results. ( I said it this way because I was sure that this wasn't the first time she'd looked up a lab. It was quite a gamble, I know, but I thought it worth a try.)
Nurse: (looking at her computer presumably). Oh! there they are. thanks.
Me: You're welcome. Please, do me a favor and try to reign in the temptation to squawk angrily when you're in the wrong.

Status Report

Status Report:
New Rejections: McGill. Reaching a new low for rejection styles, McGill emailed me a pdf with a scanned copy of my rejection letter. I guess the international postage might place an onerous burden on the budget.

Waitlists:
OHSU, I'm in a "hold" pool, which means that I'll be put on the waitlist in May.
UVM. Still on the "out of state" waitlist. Keeping the fingers crossed.

St Louis

SO, going to St Louis Feb 25. I'm currently cramming for the interview, trying to come up with better answers than I've previously given. One of the harder questions that's an interview fave is "What was your biggest challenge"?, another fave is "Name a time when you've used interpersonal skills to solve a problem." These are tough questions because any answer that i've thought about strikes me as fatuous or egotistical. Unless you've negotiated a treaty at the UN, or are particularly skilled at verbal name calling, I can't think of a single instance when i've solved a problem. That's not to say that i haven't, but sarcasm and understatement aren't exacly the types of skills they're looking for and I just can't remember a good example for a med school interview.